YOUR GREATEST POWER
SAMUEL “MIKE” ULLERY MICHAEL MENDELSSOHN CO-FOUNDERS
ICAN ATTITUDE
COPYRIGHT © 2025
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical meth- ods—without the prior written permission of thepublisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted bycopyright law.
ISBN: 979-8-9926914-0-5
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DEDICATION
To my father-in-law, Mike Ullery, who first shared this wisdom
with me and graciously allowed me to carry its message forward.
To my wife, Jen, and daughters Gracie and Stella—my “why”—who support me, teach me, help me grow my faith, and love me no matter what each day.
To my Mom and Dad, who taught me persistence and hard work, loving me while giving me the strength to push past limits.
To my brothers Wayne, Warren, and Freddy, for their uncondi- tional love and support through every chapter of my life.
And to my extended family, whose love and encouragement have been a constant blessing throughout my journey.
THIS BOOK EXISTS BECAUSE YOU ALL DO.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my mother-in-law Su- zanne, the glue that has held Mike, Jenny, and Bill togetherevery step of the way. The behind-the-scenes hero whose quiet strength and unwavering support deserves to be recognized andcelebrated.
To my brother-in-law Bill, sister-in-law Missy, niece Addie, and nephews Jack and Wyatt. Your love and support bring me joy.
To my sister Rachel, brother-in-law Eric, and nieces Courtney and Lindsey, our journey has had its share of hills and valleys, but fam- ily remains family. As Stitch wisely said, “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”
My special Aunt Carol and Uncle Jack have shown me what wis- dom and kindness look like in action.
To my #1 cousins, Mark, Ann, Carly, and Dillon, who have filled
my life with laughter and companionship.
To my Uncle Stan, whose resilience has been an inspiration.
To my mentors, leaders, friends, and family who have supported and guided me throughout this journey.
YOUR BELIEF IN ME AND THIS MESSAGE HAS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
KEY ONE: HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? 21
KEY TWO: BE A GOOD FINDER 22
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FOREWORD
FROM MIKE HARGIS
Former State Farm Agent and Colleague
How do you thank the person who changed your life?
In 1978, I met Mike Ullery when he recruited me for State Farm in Tennessee. As a teacher with a young family, I loved my work but couldn’t afford a home on my salary.
Mike saw something in me I couldn’t yet see in myself. Have you ever performed better than you thought possible becausesomeone believed in you? We all possess seeds of greatness, but we’re often limited more by attitude than ability.
He gave me Zig Ziglar’s “See You at the Top” and motivational tapes that transformed my thinking. Mike expected great things,and I worked hard not to disappoint him. I learned a Positive Men- tal Attitude helped me perform better than negative thinkingever could.
Under his mentorship, I led production among 16 agents. Mike challenged me to study for the Chartered Life Underwriter desig- nation alongside him, which we both earned. I watched him help countless agents improve with his “I Can” concept: “I can get everything in life I want if I help other people get what they want.”
Mike wasn’t just my boss—he was my hero. Our agency led the South Central Region thanks to his positive leadership. He lateren- couraged me into management where I spread his positive energy to my own agents. I became one of his many “State Farmchildren” who advanced by sharing his attitude lessons.
I highly recommend “Your Greatest Power” by Michael Mendels- sohn and Mike Ullery. These five keys to positive thinking willfeed your mind and help you achieve greatness.
-Mike Hargis
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FROM BILL ULLERY
Son of Mike Ullery, Professional Golfer
This book is a tribute to my father, a man whose influence on my
life and the lives of countless others is immeasurable.
His legacy is woven into every page, every story, and every lesson shared within these covers.
My father spent his life inspiring people to reach their full potential, sharing his wisdom and passion through his work as anexecutive in the insurance industry. His presentations, aptly titled Your Greatest Power, resonated deeply with those who heardthem. He believed wholeheartedly that our greatest power lies in our ability to make choices—choosing how we approach eachday, how we treat those around us, and how we respond to adversity. These were not just words for him; they were a way of life.
One of his most enduring symbols was the “I Can” — a simple yet profound reminder that he created by taping a picture of an eyeto a Coke can. This tangible representation of possibility and perse- verance has been with me throughout my life, serving as aquiet but constant source of strength.
As a professional golfer, a husband, and a father, I have often found myself leaning on the lessons my dad taught me. His unwav- ering belief in the power of choice guided me through the highs and lows of competition, the challenges of marriage, and thejoys and responsibilities of fatherhood. His voice still echoes in my mind, encouraging me to choose gratitude, kindness, andresilience every day.
I am profoundly grateful to my brother-in-law, Michael, for sup- porting this project, and most of all, to my dad—for showing me, through both words and actions, that the power to shape my life was always within me.
This book is not just a testament to his life but a love letter to his enduring spirit. It is my hope that his words and wisdomcontinue to inspire others, as they have inspired me to harness Your Greatest Power.
-Bill Ullery 7
FROM JEN ULLERY MENDELSSOHN
Daughter of Mike Ullery
The “I-Can” man. That’s what my friends called him. “Can’t” was never an option for him, and his goal in life was to help others approach life in exactly the same way. Dad was a believer that anything is achievable in life because we have the power of choice; that each day we get to choose how that day is going to go, how we are going to treat people, how we are going to react to others,and most importantly, that if we don’t choose to make each day great, then we’ve missed a day that could have been extraordinary.
I’ve often been asked what it’s like to have Mike Ullery as my dad. Life with him was fun, exciting and challenging in the bestways. Dad believed that everyone had talent and potential and he inspired people to dream big and push themselves to reach theirgoals. He parented me and my brother in the same way, believing in us so deeply, always encouraging us to never give up. Hetaught us to treat people as we would want to be treated, be humble, have grace, give grace and most importantly do all things inChrist.
Any success I have experienced in life is a direct reflection of the many lessons he taught me. It is my hope and prayer that Dad’s legacy as the “I-Can” man will live on through the many lives he impacted throughout his life. If he were here today, his one and only ask of us would be to pay it forward. I sure hope you will.
-Jen Ullery Mendelssohn
These personal reflections only scratch the surface of Mike Ullery’s impact. As you read on, may you be inspired to discover Your Greatest Power within yourself.
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INTRODUCTION
Life is a playground filled with unexpected challenges. Like schoolyard children facing stolen kickballs, we all encounter setbacks that test ourchoices and attitudes. Some react with anger, some with blame, and others wisely seek new opportunities.
The difference between success and failure, happiness and disappoint- ment, growth and stagnation lies in one powerful word: CHOOSE.
What makes “Your Greatest Power” different is its simplicity. While countless books speak of positive mindsets, this one offers a practical blueprint—five transformational keys that unlock your extraordinary potential through the conscious choice of attitude.
These keys work regardless of your age, background, or circumstances. They aren’t new revelations, but timeless truths distilled into actionable steps that anyone can apply immediately.
As Napoleon Hill wisely noted, “Your mental attitude is something you can control outright... your mental attitude attracts to you everything that makes you what you are.”
YOUR EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY BEGINS NOW.
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YOUR GREATEST POWER
Inside you lies untapped power—not in muscle, money, or status, but in something far more significant. Your power lies in your choices, your responses, and your attitude.
• A smile can change someone’s day.
• A kind word can lift a spirit.
• A positive response can open doors.
• An “iCan” attitude can move mountains.
THINK ABOUT IT:
Young or old, student or CEO, athlete or artist—this power works for everyone. Why? Because it’s built into yourDNA. You were born with the ability to choose how you respond to life.
This book holds five keys. Each key unlocks a different aspect of your power. Together, they create an unstoppable forcefor good in your life and the lives of others.
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE.
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The road is made up of hills and valleys. On the hills, life is golden. But whenwe are in the valley, what does your mind do to defeat you?
Now, take your first step.
Say this out loud.
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME
TO BELIEVE IN ME
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IN EVERY MOMENT, YOU HOLD AN UNBREAKABLE POWER-
the power to choose. No matter your circumstances, age,
past, or challenges, this power remains yours alone. It can’t be taken. It can’t be diminished. No one else can control it.
• When life pushes, you choose how to respond.
• When obstacles appear, you choose your next step.
• When others doubt, you choose to believe.
• When fear whispers, you choose to act.
• When darkness falls, you choose to shine.
THINK DEEPER:
Your life isn’t determined by what happens to you but by how you choose to respond.
REMEMBER:
In your darkest moment, your brightest dawn, and every mo- ment between – you always have the power to choose.This is your ultimate freedom, your ultimate power, your ultimate tool for transformation.
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THE SCIENCE
YOUR MIND: THE ULTIMATE POWER TOOL
• Problem-solving jumps 31% with
positive thinking
• Performance soars 40% with a suc-
cess mindset
• Life expands 7-10 years through
optimism
THIS ISN’T A THEORY. IT’S PROVEN POWER.
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THE ATTITUDE ALGORITHM
LOOK AT THE MATH OF SUC- CESS.
Each letter represents a value based on its place within the alphabet
(A=1, B=2, and so on) ATTITUDE = 100% HARD WORK = 98% KNOWLEDGE = 96%
SKILLS = 82%
ATTITUDE tops the list? That’s not an accident.
YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE FORCE MULTIPLIER THATMAXIMIZES EVERYTHING ELSE.
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LET’S BEGIN
MIKE AND SUZANNE WITH THEIR GRANDCHILDREN:
JACK, ADDIE, WYATT, STELLA & GRACIE
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KEY ONE: HOW DO YOU START
YOUR DAY?
Your day’s first moments are pure gold. What you do with
them shapes everything that follows.
• Your mind is most open when you first wake.
• Your words are seeds you plant in your brain.
• Your attitude is contagious—start positive, stay posi- tive.
• Your morning mindset releases chemicals that fuel focus, energy, and creative problem-solving for up to 6 hours.
• Starting positive increases your chances of having a successful day by 88%—your first thoughts rewire your brain for success.
POWER RESPONSES:
Instead of: “I’m okay”
• Say: “I’m excellent and getting better!”
• Instead of: “Just another day”
• Say: “Today’s full of opportunities!”
• Instead of: “We’ll see what happens”
• Say: “I’m making great things happen!”
REMEMBER:
Like a farmer, you are planting seeds. Watch them grow.
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KEY TWO:
BE A GOOD FINDER
• Every setback holds a seed of something better.
• Each challenge carries hidden gold.
• Find good in others.
• Help others see their strength.
• Build bridges through positivity.
• Spot growth in small moments.
• Turn lessons into victories.
• Create value from every experience.
GOOD FINDING IS YOUR SUPERPOWER. IT’S NOT JUST SEEING THE BRIGHT SIDE – IT’S CRE- ATING BRIGHTNESS EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK.
Problem → Opportunity People → Potential Progress → Purpose
REMEMBER:
Good finders don’t just see the world differently - they create a different world. Every time you find good, you buildsome- thing better.
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KEY THREE: ICAN
Two words can move mountains. Two words can open doors. Two words can change everything: ‘I CAN.’
BREAK IT DOWN:
‘i’ = Taking ownership
‘CAN’ = Unlimited Possibility
WHEN OTHERS SAY:
• “It’s too hard” → “I can find a way”
• “It’s impossible” → “I can make it possible”
• “No one’s done it” → “I can be the first”
• “Maybe later” → “I can start now”
YOUR ICAN POWER TOOLS:
• “I’ll try” → “I can”
• “Maybe” → “I will”
• “If only” → “When I”
• “I wish” → “I choose”
REMEMBER:
“iCan” isn’t just positive thinking - it’s positive DOING.
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KEY FOUR: BE YOUR BEST
Your toughest competition isn’t in your class, on your team, or at your job. It’s in your mirror.
DAILY MIRROR QUESTIONS:
Morning Mirror:
• What will make today better than yesterday?
• How will I push my limits today?
• What’s my one big win for today?
Evening Mirror:
• Did I give my absolute best?
• Did I keep my promises to myself?
• How did I grow today?
YOUR SCOREBOARD:
• Effort (Did I push harder?)
• Attitude (Did I stay positive?)
• Learning (Did I grow wiser?)
• Kindness (Did I help others?)
• Courage (Did I face fears?)
REMEMBER:
Champions compete against their reflection, not others’ perfection.
KEY FIVE: CHOOSE COURAGE
Courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about taking action despite fear.
• Raise your hand
• Try something new
• Speak your truth
• Learn from setbacks
• Begin again
• Face challenges
• Do what’s right
• Help others
• Be yourself
YOUR COURAGE TOOLKIT:
• Choose one brave act
• Take that first step
• Celebrate small wins
• Build on victories
START SMALL GROW STRONG STAND TALL
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YOUR POWER WORDS
“I am UNSTOPPABLE”
“I CREATE success” “I LEAD with courage” “I RISE abovechallenges”
“I TRANSFORM obstacles”
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THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Your transformation inspires others.
One changed life changes many.
Your attitude becomes contagious; your courage is infectious.
AND YOUR SUCCESS A BEACON.
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LOCK IN YOUR POWER
Choose how you start each day Choose to find good everywhereChoose “i can” in every challenge Choose to be your best self Choose courage over comfort
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2/8/66
MTSU FRESHMAN BASKETBALL TEAM #52 MIKE ULLERY
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YOUR GREATEST POWER
FIVE KEYS:
1. How Do You Begin Your Day
2. Be A Good Finder
3. Say “I Can”
4. Be Your Best
5. Choose Courage
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YOUR EXTRAORDINARY AWAITS
This isn’t the end -it’s your beginning. You hold five keys to unlock any door. Your attitude determines your altitude.
Start now, start strong.
YOUR FUTURE AND LEGACY ARE WAITING.
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THE MAN IN THE GLASS
PETER DALE WIMBROW SR.
When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife, Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please—never mind all the rest— For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
IF YOU’VE CHEATED THE MAN IN THE GLASS.
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IN MEMORY
MIKE ‘SAMMY’ ULLERY (1943-2024):
A proud Tennessee Vol who served 31 years at State Farm Insurance, touching thousands of lives through hisleadership and mentorship. Known as the ‘Unofficial Mayor of Destin, FL,’ Mike’s Power Law of Attitude inspiredcountless oth- ers. His greatest joy was his 57-year marriage to Suzanne, his children Jenny (Michael) and Bill (Missy),and grandchildren Gracie, Stella, Jack, Addie, and Wyatt. His legacy of love, faith, and positive attitude lives on.
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SOURCES AND CITATIONS
RESEARCH STUDIES AND ACADEMIC WORKS
Lee, L. O., James, P., Zevon, E. S., Kim, E. S., Trudel-Fitzgerald, C., Spiro, A., Grodstein, F., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2019). Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity in 2 epidemiologic cohorts of men and women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(37), 18357–18362. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1900712116
Norton, J. (2013, June 7). How a Positive Attitude at Work Can Improve Your Career. The David Eccles School of Business.https:// eccles.utah.edu/news/how-a-positive-attitude-at-work-can- improve-your-career/
Park, N., Peterson, C., Szvarca, D., Vander Molen, R. J., Kim, E. S., & Collon, K. (2014). Positive Psychology and Physical
Health. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 10(3), 200–206. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827614550277
Perry, E. (2023, July 13). How Motivation Works in the Brain: The Science Behind It. Www.betterup.com. https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-motivation-works-in-the-brain
Performance Measures and Accountability. (2025). U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/octae/performance-measures-and-accountability
Sheffler, P., Kürüm, E., Sheen, A. M., Ditta, A. S., Ferguson, L., Bravo, D., Rebok, G. W., Strickland-Hughes, C. M., & Wu, R.(2022). Growth Mindset Predicts Cognitive Gains in an Older Adult Multi-Skill Learning Inter- vention. TheInternational Journal of Aging and Human Development, 96(4), 009141502211060. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914150221106095
Statistical Problem Solving (SPS). (2021, January 20). Quality Systems Enhancement. https://enhancequality.com/standards/sta- tistical-problem-solving-sps/
Tenney, E. R., Poole, J. M., & Diener, E. (2016). Does positivity en- hance work performance?: Why, when, and what we don’t know. Research in Organizational Behavior, 36, 27–46. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.riob.2016.11.002
INSPIRATIONAL REFERENCES
Achor, S. (2018). Big potential: how transforming the pursuit of success raises our achievement, happiness, and well-being.Currency.
A Robbins. (2001). Unlimited power. Pocket Books.
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Penguin Publishing Group.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Hill, N. (2012). Think and Grow Rich. Simon and Schuster.
Date:
Your Power Journal
REFLECTION
Who did I lift up today?
What did I learn about myself today?
TOMMOROW'S INTENTION
YourGreatest Power
S KEYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE:
How Do You Start Your Day
Be a Good Finder Have iCan Attitude
Be Your Best Choose Courage
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