Don't Mess Up!!!!!

“Cycle Breaking” w/ Judge Dawson

“You Better Not Mess Up!”

My mission is to use every opportunity I have to help people realize their potential and live their best lives. I have this passion because I know about making mistakes. I have made mistakes and I have been dogged out and vilified for them. The good news is that every time I get knocked down I find a way to get back up, and you can do it to. 

The reason some people get knocked down and never get back up is because they’ve been told a lie.  The lie is that you have to be perfect, that you can’t mess up.  For this reason, some people don’t even try. I’m talking about don’t try to achieve their goals, don’t try to go back to school, don’t try to start that business, don’t try to leave those toxic relationships.  If you are in a bad situation, don’t stay there, get back on track. 

FAMOUS FAILURES

Oprah Winfrey: T.V. and Media

Winfrey was fired from her television reporting job because “she was deemed not suitable for television.” She became, as some might say, the undisputed queen of television with her talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Oprah is viewed as an influential figure who inspired people with positive and uplifting messages. She’s also a billionaire.

Steve Jobs: Apple Computer

At 30-years-old he was left devastated and depressed after being kicked out and fired,from the company he started, Apple Computer. Later, he regained control of Apple and created the innovative products that we enjoy today.

J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter

At one point in her life, Rowling was nearly penniless, depressed, divorced and a single mother with no financial help. While writing the manuscript of Harry Potter, she was on welfare. Adding to that, 12 publishers rejected the manuscript. She created Harry Potter, a global brand estimated to be worth $15 billion today.

Judge William L. Dawson: Cycle Breaker

As much as I produce through writing, speaking, blogging and posting I am human and I still make mistakes.  The interesting part is that some people run to tell me when a word is misspelled but never talk about or compliment me on the content of my message.  This behavior used to trigger resentment until I found the source.  It began when I was moved into an advanced english class in high school but struggled and felt insecure because, during  my schooling, I received continuous criticism of my poor writing skills. Today I have communicated to thousands through my workshops and programs. I write books, manuals and produce training to help people positively change their lives.  

THE KEY TO SUCCESS:  KEEP GOING!!!!!

Like all of the examples above, when people make mistakes or “fail,” if you continue to work, grow, dream, practice, write etc. you will reach  a breakthrough and become one of the legends that we speak of today. 

There will always be critics, there will always be people who point out every mess-up, miss-step misspelled word or mistake in grammar.  The key is to keep going, never give up and remember, it takes no courage to be a critic.  In fact it’s much easier to be a critic than to be a creator!

Judge William L. Dawson, 

East Cleveland Municipal Court

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com /Social Media: @judgedawson

Just Too Ghetto!!!!!

“Cycle Breaking” w/ Judge Dawson

Just Too Ghetto!

The world is talking about justice, and that is important, but no one is talking about saving your life. 

It’s easy to point your finger at the wrongs of the world and refused to look in the mirror.  I speak as a person who wants to help you save your life.  Saving your life means that I give you the necessary tools to make sure you live to see another day. Saving your life also means that I say the things that people refuse to say.  I am a disrupter and that has been my focus as an attorney and it remains my focus today as a Judge. You can count on me to say the hard things and to keep it real!  Let’s get our focus together on a couple of points. 

Point To Consider #1 Stop Being So Ghetto That You Block Your Blessings: I walked into one of the BP gas stations to get a bottle of water. While I stood at the cooler looking through the options, I heard a woman walking up next to me cursing up a storm. As I looked over at the woman, I noticed that she was the manager of the store. She continued to talk and I realized that she was either speaking to an employee on the other side of the store or just “loud talking.”  She said “they be stealing like a M___ F__….” and other choice curse words. She wasn't even bothered that customers where in the store.  What she didn’t consider was that her behavior may have caused her to block some blessings.  You never know who is around you, watching you, or in a position to bless you.  It could be a new job or a new opportunity, but so many people miss these chances because they find it ok to act ghetto in public.  

You know exactly what I’m talking about.  Either you participate in this activity of public ghettoness or you have witnessed it at your local Walmart, Walgreens or McDonalds.  

Point To Consider #2 The music you listen to labels you. I’m just keeping it real when I say that you are labeled by people, professionals and strangers when they hear the music you listen to. If you are driving down the street blasting music about fighting, stealing and robbing, people are going to think you are a thug. If you are listening to music that is disrespectful to women, people, or at least men, are going to think that you are ok with that type of behavior.  Recently, while in a local club for a birthday party, I watched with amazement how people reacted to certain songs.  At times its a beautiful thing to see people laughing and enjoying music.  However, it gets weird when the music turns nasty and disrespectful but still the women are dancing, partying, with their hands in the air and eyes closed like they are hearing the most romantic things.

Right now is a good time to look at ourselves and decide to put our best foot forward.  With all the negativity in the world, all the injustice,  and all the violence let’s choose to exemplify our greatness. If you don’t want to be great for yourself, be great for your community. Think about all the people marching and protesting and those who died for our rights.  Did Martin Luther King Jr. die for our right to, as the song says, “turn up on a Tuesday?” or “Be a Bad Bit_ _?”

If you don’t care about doing it for your community, do it for your family.  Your family wants to be proud of the person you are.  They want to benefit from your positive legacy.  Your family wants the world to speak positively about you when you are gone.  To get to that point, the work begins now.  Stop being so ghetto that you block your blessings!

Judge William L. Dawson, 

East Cleveland Municipal Court

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com /Social Media: @judgedawson

Black In America

I have been blessed by the opportunity to speak at numerous events for schools, businesses and organizations during Black History Month and for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  Its at those times that many of us take a look at the state of Black America and reflect on the struggles of the past.  We do this to see where we were, how far we have come and the path that we need to take to ensure a better future.  It should be obvious, by the recent events in America, that we are far from what may be considered an equal and free society, but at the same time we are far from where it all began.  

As stated by Bishop Joey Johnson at the House of The Lord in Akron, Ohio, “one of the powerful realities of today is that the perils of yesterday have been greatly lessened.”  Just look at the following facts:

Minorities and women have a measure of freedom.

Minorities and women can vote.

The practice of lynching has been greatly curtailed.

We have the opportunity to pursue happiness.

The other reality is that we still have a long way to go because,

Minorities and women have not attained true freedom and justice.

Prejudice and racism have largely gone underground, but they are not dead.

We are seldom lynched, but can still face substantial danger in caught in the wrong places.

Poverty is still a problem along with lack of education.

Bishop Johnson notes that the advancements in equality and justice appear to be moving at an increased rate.  For example, from the Declaration of Independence to the election of Barack Obama is only 234 years. From the Emancipation Proclamation to his election was fewer than 150 years.  From the marches of Martin Luther King Jr. to the inauguration is fewer than 50 years. It is my sincere hope that we will continue to advance at this same rate.  However, I submit to you that we have to work both ends at the same time.  We have to work on the laws and societal issues that keep racism and injustice alive while working on ourselves.  Its’ the later part, working on ourselves, that causes a great debate in this current generation, but its the position from which I choose to pursue change.  If you don’t change yourself, nothing will ever change for you.  I encourage you to use this season to look at ways that you can take personal responsibility for change.  Combining your personal efforts with those who pursue society change and progress will continue advance the position of all people.  If you ignore the part that you personally play in the change game, Things will remain where they are.

For more information on this topic visit the “Finish First Workshops” at the East Cleveland Court on Monday nights at 5:30pm or visit my website.  

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

The Phases of Domestic Violence!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

We must not forget domestic violence.  I viewed a recent FaceBook post from a friend “outing” domestic violence situation.  I used the term “outing” because that’s exactly what was done.  The unacceptable, terrorism that is domestic violence was called out based on experiences that took place in that particular family.  I personally touched base with this individual in a small effort to short support and concern.  Based on the nature of domestic violence offenses, the people who need the support and concern often feel alone and like an outcast.  Even beyond the fact that I personally reached out this person, the entire event further justifies why it is important that we continue to shine the light on domestic violence.  

Domestic violence is a very intricate type of offense.  There will always be more questions than answers, like why did she stay, because every situation is different. However, there are some common phases of domestic violence the experts have been able to identify.  

There are three phases of the cycle of violence that repeat a pattern by the abuser and the victim/survivor.

The first phase for the ABUSER:  In this phase the tension builds up, in which the batterer blames the victim, makes unreasonable demands, misinterprets every move, and blocks and hovers. 

The first phase for the VICTIM: In this phase the victim tries to calm his/her batterer and believes he/she can control the partner. The victim does not get angry and denies their own anger.

The second phase for the ABUSER: In this phase the abuser starts out to teach a lesson, and the abuser’s behavior escalates to physical or extreme emotional violence. The victim’s behavior does not affect the outcome, and the victim may disassociate, remain calm and wait out the storm. I

The second phase for the VICTIM: In this phase, the victim’s only option is to find a safe place to hide or run to. Symptoms after the assault: denial, disbelief, rationalization and delays in seeking medical attention. Feelings of depression and helplessness often follow.

The third phase for the ABUSER: In this phase the batterer’s behavior is often charming and they want the victim’s forgiveness. This phase is known as the honeymoon phase and can be confusing to victims because they want to believe the battering will not happen again. Often, they are given gifts and friends and family are often asked to intervene.

The third phase for the VICTIM: During phase three, victims are seeking help from her physician as well as other professionals and they want to believe in the relationship and forgive. They choose to believe that this person is the real person and will not hurt them again. The victim needs the support of family and friends and needs to focus on safety and learn the signs of manipulative behavior.

If you know someone who is being abused, talk to them and voice your concerns. Let them know that you will keep their confidence and that you care. You may save a life.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Sh*t Goes Down On An Elevator

“Cycle Breaking” 

with Judge William  Dawson 

Sometimes Sh*t Goes Down On The Elevator!

Due to recent events, awareness of domestic violence is once again spreading across our nation. I commend all the men and women who’ve been on the front lines of this battle even when it wasn’t talked about as much as now. On the other hand, I am appalled at the few "leaders” or “people with voices” who have disregarded this very serious matter by stating that the “Ray Rice” situation is a distraction from the more important “Michael Brown” issue or “police brutality.” The fact is that any injustice is a tragedy. 

As opposed to being a distraction, domestic violence is one of the most serious forms of violence a person can experience.  While there are hundreds of people protesting and marching about the Michael  Brown tragedy, the statistics reveal that some of the same people seeking justice for that issue are, in private, beating their own loved ones. So while we are fighting the system, let’s also stand up to show outrage over the violence against women. 

From that stand point we now know that “Sh*t Goes Down On The Elevator.”

THE ELEVATOR REPRESENTS PRIVACY

Domestic Violence is the “secret” offense. Some of the people we see smiling, laughing, even giving relationship advice every day, go home and are victims to some form of violence or intimidation.  The statistics show that 1 out of every 4 women will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. A challenge to understanding the impact of domestic violence is that in many communities domestic violence has become common place, normal and excepted.  As an example, when was the last time you heard a man or woman refer to their mate as a b*tch or another curse word? That’s verbal intimidation/violence. When was the last time you heard of a scenario where someone refused money or made other financial threats to their mate? That is mental and financial intimidation/violence. When was the last time you saw a person grab his or her mate, forcing them to go somewhere? That is physical intimidation/violence.  

For those who believe that these are normal relationship behaviors, I wonder if these offenses would be acceptable to you if they were committed against your sons or daughters.  I would certainly have something to say if anyone treated my children this way.

THE ELEVATOR REPRESENTS ISOLATION

In both of the Solange and Ray Rice situations, when the elevator doors closed the aggressors took advantage of the isolated environment to start throwing punches.  That fact alone makes domestic violence so outrageous.  Most of us don’t go into an isolated place with people whom we don’t trust.  When you are alone with someone in a private space and they use that moment to attack you it is a  total betrayal.

THE ELEVATOR REPRESENTS PAIN

Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults.

Women ages 20 to 24 are at the greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.

Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than men.

Every year, 1 in 3 women who are victims of homicide are murdered by a current or former partner.

In addition to the victim’s pain, the hidden victims of domestic violence are the children.  Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence suffer abuse or neglect. These children are likely to have health problems, experience violence themselves and display behavior and learning problems in school. Children even learn that violence against family members is ok and that violence is a proper reaction to frustration. The overall psychological abuse is devastating.

I’m working to address this problem through my leadership programs. In addition to giving instructions on how to avoid negative interaction with the legal system we also provide training, counseling and help to overcome the effects of domestic violence as well as training for those who have a habit of hurting people they love and trust.

Domestic violence is not cool, its not acceptable.  Sh*t should never go down on the elevator!

LET’S CONNECT

If you see my latest billboard in the city, take a picture, follow and tag me on Instagram @judgedawson for a chance to win prizes.

Judge William L. Dawson, 

East Cleveland Municipal Court

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com /www.Judgedawson.com

Self Control

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number eight is “Develop Self Control.” Self control has been described as a strong predictor of success in life.  Its ability to predict success has been ranked right up there with the certainty of success being based on intelligence.  So that means, according to some studies, you will succeed if you are intelligent or if you have self control.  As a Judge, I see how the lack of self control will lead to criminal activity.  There are several cases where I know that, if the parties would have developed and utilized self control, the crime would not have been committed.  

In order to be a Cycle Breaker, avoid trouble or negative interaction with the legal system you must develop self control.  As you know, I don’t give advise or Cycle Breaker leadership principles without including methods you can use to realize and achieve those principles.  My research reveals that to maximize your self control there are two strengths that must be developed, willpower and daily rituals.  With so much talk about success, it should not be surprising that defining and discovering willpower has become a hot topic, both with scientists interested in discovering the roots of willpower and professionals trying to help people improve their lives. First we have to understand exactly what willpower means.  According to Dr. Roy F. Baumeister, who authored the book “Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength,” willpower touches on nearly all aspects of healthy living: eating right, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, studying more, working harder, spending less. 

According to Merriam-Webster, willpower is the “ability to control yourself : strong determination that allows you to do something difficult (such as to lose weight or quit smoking).”  When you add this definition with the research by Dr. Baumeister and my experience as a Judge, it breaks down to the ability to avoid problems like addiction, overeating, crime, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases, prejudice, debt, unwanted pregnancy, educational failure, underperformance at school and work, lack of savings, failure to exercise and many more issues.  As a more practical everyday example, we have all witnessed the lack of self control in our work environment.  It shows up when people disrespect each other or are not considerate of other’s needs.  For the most part, no one comes to work looking for a confrontation, however when a person lacks self control they will inevitably cause friction in the work environment.  

The problem with relying on willpower alone is that, according to Dr. Baumeister’s research, willpower is a limited resource subject to being used up.  However, as a Cycle Breaker I have a back up plan to make sure you  stay on track and avoid derailment.  The additional tool is to establish daily rituals. According to Merriam-Webster, “Rituals” is defined as “an act or series of acts regularly reposted in a set and precise manner.”  To stay in line with living your best life you will need to use daily rituals on the days when you don’t have the willpower to do what you said you would do.  That’s when you rely on daily rituals.  Once you allow certain things, acts or behaviors to become a part of your daily rituals you will be able to keep moving in your desired direction even when your will is low.  Take for example a desire to loose weight.  You can use your willpower to get up and go to the gym as well as avoid certain foods, but when the “will” gets low, you will go back to your old habits.  However if going to the gym is a ritual that you set in your schedule at 4:00pm everyday, that ritual becomes a part of your life and therefore easier to stay committed to. 

Though I make it sound easy, I know its not. If you want to learn more about

Cycle breaker Leadership Principle number eight, “Develop Self Control” join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Self Control in Light of the Michael Brown Shooting!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number eight is “Develop Self Control.” I recently wrote about the basics of applying this Leadership Principle and how applying it in our lives will help us reach our maximum potential.  Now, with the recent shooting in Ferguson, its important to expand on this topic and discover ways that we can quickly move our lives to a place of peace, safety and success.  

There is no denying that in this society there is an extreme need for self control.  Professionals, which include police officers, are often quick to overreact just in the name of authority. Its at these times our emotions flare up leading to us overreacting.  However, professionals are not the only ones loosing control.  Everyday people, when faced with feelings of unfairness, sometimes overreact in response to any perceived unfairness. In the Ferguson case, as we wait for the facts to become clear, one thing for sure is that whenever there is a questionable death, there is a possibility that people did or will overreacted.  

The Ferguson tragedy and others have lead me to identify two areas where we need self control the most.  1. We need to use self control before we do something that could derail our future and 2. We need to use self control after a tragedy has occurred.  Its at those two times when our ability to stay calm and considerate of the big picture will determine if the situation will go from bad to worse.  

For this expanded discussion on self control, I like the definition that states self control is “the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations.”

How do you use self control before you do something that could derail your future?  This discussion is important because too many people find themselves in destructive situations simply because they didn’t do the proper pre-planning.  The first step is to “pre-plan” your life by clearly defining the vision for your future.  By this I mean a vision for every area of your life.  Your finances, your education, your profession and your relationships.  When you clearly identify your vision you will know where you are going.  Knowing where you are going will keep you from “floating” in any direction.  That means, when you are faced with a decision to take controversial action, controversial to your vision, you will be less likely to take that action and you will be more likely to make the right decision.

How do you use self control after a tragedy?

Once a tragedy hits, it takes a lot of discipline to keep from loosing focus on your overall vision.  In fact, sometimes the pain and disappointment is so severe that you may consider abandoning your vision.  This is when the power of “Emotional Intelligence” comes in.  Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize emotions in your self and others so that you can regulate those emotions and make good decisions in the face of negative situations.  When you intelligently use your emotions, you will avoid over reacting in your initial and later responses.  Remember life is long and many of the situations we find ourselves in will be just small parts of our story.  Let’s make sure we are not doing something in the “now” that we may regret in the “future.” 

Though I make it sound easy, I know its not. If you want to learn more about

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number eight, “Develop Self Control” join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson