Recently separated, I had just lost custody of my 2 daughters and was forced to vacate my newly-renovated home (with 3 days notice) that contained well-equipped recording studio I had spent 2 years building prior to selling my drycleaning business (in order to build a long-desired music production company).

Divorce - Canadian style!

Two years before, I discovered that a *friend*, a music contact I had worked with and even spent time with in Hollywood a decade prior, had stolen a song that I and my music partner had written and presented to this budding writer/producer at that time. He had since become a major player in music business and had lifted *so much* our song, placing it on album of a multi-million selling female artist.

After much consideration and consultation with a prominent Detroit attorney, we decided to proceed with a lawsuit against this record producer. And, as these matters usually go, we had to retain high profile legal representation in California and also sue 'innocents', in this case recording artist, record company and publishing company, with hope (at least mine) that they would bring pressure upon sole guilty party to get a just settlement.

And of course, I was counter sued for over a million dollars and had to begin dealing with that ugly business.

Now, living with friends during this confusing, dark period of time, a call came from my California attorney. I was forced to confront inevitable - a trip to Los Angeles for a legal hearing.

I had neither heart nor will to follow through with this. Neither did I have money for flight and hotel as all my assets had been frozen by divorce court at time.

I recall, as if it were yesterday, how Doug somehow sensed my emotional turmoil and just matter-of-factly told me to pick up airline ticket at terminal and then invited me to stay with his family. This is where real story begins.

Immediately after meeting Doug in person for first time at airport on a Friday afternoon, I felt so unusually comfortable. The hearing was on Monday but he had no intention of discussing case at all on drive to his home. Instead we talked about our families, friends, careers and hobbies. His was mountain climbing and he has since scaled tallest peaks on continent!

He told me about how much his wife and daughter were looking forward to having me stay with them. And, that he had planned get- togethers with some of his rather famous friends. See, we had built a rather unique friendship over phone during time building up to this hearing, but I had no idea Doug would be going all out during our short visit.

I arrived at his beautiful home in Hollywood Hills to warm hugs of Doug's wonderful wife and cuter-than-cute little daughter. If you've ever visited someone's home for very first time and immediately, and truly felt right at home, well, this was one of those rare instances. Mi casa es su casa.

All of us had a great amount of fun getting to know one another and, as promised, we had most enjoyable Friday and Saturday evenings with Doug’s crazy but wonderful friends in entertainment world. After all, I was in my element

Sunday night was sleepless however. Although I was very confident in Doug and his abilities (I'd love to be able to tell you who he has represented in past but terms of ultimate settlement in this action prohibit me from sharing any details that would identify any of parties involved), I was still very concerned about being in court with 4 sets of high-powered attorneys against, well, just me and Doug. Rumor had it that defendant's father, a very high profile attorney from a major U.S. city, was also flying in for showdown.

On drive to downtown LA on Monday morning, we finally began discussing case. Doug had put my mind at as much ease as possible as we headed toward magnificent skyline. If you've ever seen skyscrapers of Los Angeles in person or in movies, you will surely remember tall, white, rounded building in center. Doug's office was near top floor.

I came out to my balcony with laptop in tow and I started typing. However, impressive powerboats and mammoth lake and ocean freighters passing by against magnificent backdrop of downtown Detroit skyline soon had my full attention.

I chose to live here just because of this million dollar view, and I work out here in my ‘second office’ almost every day, so why would I be so distracted this particular time?

The answer didn’t take long to appear. Coming into view a foot at a time was this sleek, bright white yacht with blacked-out windows. It slowly cruised by, as if to say “watch me!” She was indeed a thing of beauty, all 120 or so feet of her. The ultimate physical statement of success and achievement!

Suddenly, my pre-conceived notion of how this article was going to unfold simply flew away, just like flocks of roosting seagulls do as I approach them on my morning walk along river’s edge.

I began to wonder exactly who owned this stunning ship and how he or she ‘attracted’ it into their life. No doubt owner was taking several weeks off, or perhaps even entire summer, to cruise Great Lakes. Or even better, this yacht set to sea in Caribbean, headed up Atlantic seaboard entered St. Lawrence Seaway and sailed down through Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to pass by my balcony - to inspire me!

A lingering look through powerful binoculars made this ultimate status symbol all more beautiful!

I returned to reality, wondering who owner could be.

One thing I can assure you is that someone created a lot of wealth in order to be able to navigate this vessel past my building at this most appropriate time!

You might be thinking that this came from inherited money and you could be right. The point remains, however, that one person, at one time, with a single idea, put into motion “the seed” that attracted all money required to float this multi-million dollar ship down Detroit River. Let’s examine this.

For sake of argument, let’s assume that our “captain” here is also a captain in entrepreneurial world. He or she owns or is an integral part of a successful company or corporation.

As is case with most real success stories, this entrepreneur probably started with only “the seed” and a shoestring budget. And so, important question becomes: how did this seed grow into success it is today?

Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of answer most likely lies within title of this article. They “thought” their way to top! I can guarantee you that this entrepreneur “thinks” like world’s most successful entrepreneurs. He or she thinks “success thoughts”.

Are you wondering what success thoughts are?