Napoleon Hill once said; "Everyone enjoys doing the kind of work for which he is best suited". He also wrote; "Man alone has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man alone can dream and make his dreams come true".

You may be asking yourself at this point: "what on earth is this story about?".

Well, it's about discovering your purpose in life and following your dreams.

Three of these men are my personal heroes; Napoleon Hill, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. The fourth is a Toronto vocalist, Brian Roman, but more about him later.

What they all have in common is that they chose not to allow day to day life get in the way of following what each of them felt was their true purpose in life.

To some, the father of the modern genre of personal success. To others, one who knew "The Secret", before it became a best seller.

Napoleon Hill was the author of "Think and Grow Rich". Although just one of his publications, this timeless book of inspiration provides much more. In the very first chapter, Dr. Hill described a six-step plan to discovering and following your life purpose.

Napoleon Hill died on November 8th, 1970, just 13 days following his 87th birthday. Dr. Hill had authored several books, spoken at several events, and initiated the Napoleon Hill Foundation which continues to this day to change the lives of thousands.

The "King of Rock 'n Roll". Began life in Tupelo Mississippi as the only son of poor hard working parents.

Influenced by the soulful music of the poor black American community, Elvis revolutionized American popular music and became the biggest name the American music industry has ever known.

Did Elvis have any idea when he opened the door to Sun Records the very first time that he was about to make history? Of course he couldn't have, but he was following his dream.

Elvis Presley became as much a cultural hero as he was a superstar performer. He is as popular today as he was 31 years ago when he succumbed to an untimely and tragic death. His company is worth more today than Elvis ever could have imagined. His popularity continues to be confirmed each year on the anniversary of his death, as a pilgrimage of thousands make their way to Graceland to pay their respects to "The King".

Frank began his singing career with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey during the American Big Band Swing Era. In the early 1940's Frank became the idol of the "bobby soxers", and the first real American popular music superstar.

Through a very turbulent career as an entertainer, recording artist, and actor, Frank became known as "The Voice", "The Chairman of The Board", and of course "Ol' Blue Eyes".

In spite of his ups and downs Sinatra was the recipient of an Academy Award, and Eleven Grammy Awards, including the "Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award".

Frank Sinatra was paid the ultimate form of respect in 1993 when some of the biggest names in the music business including Bono of Ireland's superband U2, signed up to perform on the "Duets" recording with Frank. They did it free.

I think there can be no doubt that these three American icons all held the same belief in Mr. Hill's writings. All three followed their dream and made it reality.

I read a story a couple of years ago that really caught my attention. It was about a young man who decided to follow his dream.

The story was about Toronto vocalist, Brian Roman.

Brian Roman appeared to have it all. A loving wife and four healthy kids, and a successful career in the insurance and real estate industry. As Brian's story goes however, he had always wanted to sing and entertain professionally. As a young boy he would perform imaginary concerts in the basement of his parental home, and the imaginary audience would repay his effort with a standing ovation.

Brian grew up living a normal life, going to school, entering a career, getting married and starting a family. But his burning desire, his dream, never subsided. He would sing at weddings, retirement homes, and almost anywhere that he could, trying to quench the thirst of this desire

In 2005 Brian Roman made a life altering decision. He could no longer deny the little voice inside that begged the question, “why aren't you doing what you know you were born to do"? Brian left his successful career. He believed in the writings of Napoleon Hill, and most importantly he believed in himself.

He recorded his first album, and sought the advice of music and entertainment professionals seeking guidance to help make his dream a reality. Brian decided that he needed to launch his new recording in a big way.

He needed to stand out from the crowd if he was going to succeed.

Brian then made the biggest decision of his life. To promote his new recording, and hopefully kick off his singing career, he rented one of the most expensive and prestigious theater halls in Toronto Canada; Roy Thompson Hall, home of the Toronto International Film Festival, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the world famous Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

Brian knew that he had just taken on the biggest challenge of his life. If he didn't fill Roy Thompson Hall, it would not only mean financial disaster for his family but could be the end of his new career.

Over the next six months Brian went on a campaign to promote himself and the Roy Thompson Hall show. He sang at every public venue possible; old age homes, public community events, etc. Throughout this difficult time, Brian focused on his vision of Roy Thompson Hall, packed to capacity with an audience of appreciative fans launching him toward his dream.

On April 26, 2006, Brian Roman walked out onto the stage at Roy Thompson Hall. His vision had become reality, just like Napoleon Hill had taught.

All 3,000 seats were filled. It was a fabulous show with a 17 piece orchestra, a vocal choir consisting of 150 members, 3 backup singers, and a prepared and polished Brian Roman.

Brian couldn't possibly have been prepared for what would greet him the next morning following the show. Toronto's response to this amazing story and the incredible performance of the previous night must have far exceeded even Brian's vision.

A local media frenzy was underway, including front page coverage in the "Toronto Star" newspaper. Radio and T.V. requests for interviews were countless. Brian Roman, insurnace and real estate sales person had transformed into Brian Roman, vocalist, and professional entertainer.

I personally find these stories to be inspiring.

True, we are all not as fortunate as Brian, Frank, and Elvis to be blessed with a singing talent. Certainly we don't all possess an insight of life itself, that can literally change the lives of others, as Napoleon Hill did.

But I believe that we all are born with a talent, that is all too often hidden and never discovered, by even ourselves.

Then remember the teachings of Napoleon Hill, and the successes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Toronto vocalist, Brian Roman.