Interview with Local Author Michael Annese by Rebecca Skane
Author Michael Annese originally hails from Lynn, Massachusetts and now calls Florida his home. He is the author of the new personal development book called The Victory Cycle.
Tell me a little bit about who you are and where you live.
I am originally from the north shore of Boston. Lynn Massachusetts to be exact, I basically grew up in the area. I left for south Florida when I was 20 years old. When I got down here I was a typical confused 20 year old and not sure of what to do with my life? I had always played drums and found my way into a rock band and started pursuing a music career. In short, I made it all the way up to a record company showcase in NYC where unfortunately things didn’t work out for us in the end. So, I shuffled my way back to south Florida with my head in my hands and the band crumbling around me. I outline this much better in the book, but needless to say disappointment was a total understatement. In any case, I took some time to pick myself up and dust myself off with many self-help/ personal development books. While studying this subject I reignited a childhood dream of civil service and started taking classes to become a firefighter / paramedic. Well today, some 20+ years later my home is in sunny Boca Raton Florida with my wife Kathi and two children Zach and Ashely where I am serve as a battalion chief at a career fire department in south Florida. All along though, I continued to study personal development and always considered penning my own take on the subject. I always thought, what a wonderful way to contribute and help people when they need it most. Maybe in a way, lend someone that helping hand when they are down. Which I have obviously taken the next step on in creating The Victory Cycle – 7 Progressive Steps to Forge a Lifetime of Everlasting Personal Growth and Change. Victory is an acronym for the steps required to reach success beginning with – Vision, Inspiration, Commitment, Timed Steps, Obstacles, Rejoice, and Yearlong Adjustments. All of which build on ones momentum for a greater outcome in life’s goals.
Are there any favorite local spots you like to visit, ones that inspire your creativity?
In terms of local spots in New England, we visit every year and go hiking in the White Mountains. Two years ago my son and I summited Mt. Washington via the Tuckerman’s Ravine trail. This was an incredible experience for both myself and my 12-year-old son. Full of inspiration and creativity, I was actually in the development stage of my book and this climb certainly served as motivation to make it happen. Another time we flew up from Florida to visit Gillette Stadium for game between the great New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. Talk about inspirational, nothing like the Pats to get you juiced up about winning and digging deep into your heart and soul for success.
Wow us with shock value. Is there anything about you that would surprise readers?
I had mentioned earlier I was in a band, now that I am a battalion Chief, I have to conduct myself in a professional manner at all times. Back in my days with the band, I had long black hair down to my mid-back and used to rock on with the best of them! Not that long hair isn’t professional mind you but just different for the circles I am now swimming in now.
What interested you to become a writer rather than something else such as neurosurgeon?
What interested me in writing was the opportunity to help people with my concept. I really can’t say I am a studied writer, my writing really comes from my heart, a deep place from within. When I am writing, I see it more as a one-on-one experience for the reader and myself. A time for just me and them to think and feel the situation. In essence take some time out to think, and make changes for a more fulfilling life. I find that while writing, I have the ability to express myself in such a way that while it’s happening, it’s truly living and breathing as it evolves and rolls off the page. In The Victory Cycle, I am really striving for personal connection with the reader; I am trying to ignite what is already inside them and break them free. Maybe the fire inside you has shrunken to a small flame or never really got started in the first place. My “Vision” for people is to release them from whatever is holding them back, and say to them “Let me introduce you to the incredible YOU.”
Funny side note: that was actually the first title of the book. The fact is we all are so capable of so many great things, we just sometimes get “caught up” and forget that. That is where The Victory Cycle comes in: it’s the solution to the frustration, the lack of results, and the low self-esteem. It’s the road map to lead you out of self-doubt, and release you to be the true person that lives within you, the one you truly know is inside dying to get out.
If you could spend a day with any author, living or dead – who would it be and why?
For me it would be Napoleon Hill, I know it’s not Shakespeare but you got to understand where I’m coming from. Napoleon Hill was one of the first to document success and how to get it. In many ways his book Think and Grow Rich is the corner stone for many personal development books. I would so enjoy spending a day with him learning firsthand what he found out when he spent time with such prolific people in his day.
Does the area in which you live provide influence in your writing? How so?
South Florida provides quite a bit of influence and inspiration. Sunny days, amazing people, beautiful beaches, palm trees, what isn’t inspiring?
What is the most critical piece of advice you would give to new authors?
Just start, stay true to what is within you. Reach down and make it happen, don’t get caught up in exact structure right away, just start the process. A little bit of writing everyday will turn into pages and chapters after some time. If your one who wants to lock yourself away and bust it out all at once then make the decision to do so already. What are you waiting for? Don’t wait till your lying on your death bed with a great story in your head, put your on your big girl, or big boy pants and let’s get started already!! No one is going to do it for you, or beg you to write it, you have to do it yourself. Don’t waist what’s inside of you, let your story come to life. My quote- “Desire needs to be fed, feed it ideas and it will grow, feed it progress and it will come to life.”
Coming up with a title can be difficult. Tell me how you came up with yours.
Initially, as I already mentioned, the working title was “Let me introduce you to the incredible you.” However as the concept of a “Cycle” took hold it became very evident that the secret to this idea was in fact a continuous cycle for improvement. So when the final decision was made to be The VICTORY Cycle, it was obviously the correct decision.
Are there more books coming from you in the future? Do tell!
I am currently gathering success stories from people that have used The Victory Cycle for an upcoming book with a working title of “Stories of Victory.” Here we will share real people’s success stories and how they started out and where they went on their path to victory. So, please share your story with us so we can include yours in our next book!
Where can people find more information on you and your projects?
Best place is my website: www.thevictorycycle.com
I don’t remember who suggested Michael Annese to speak at the 2016 National Fire Academy 27th Executive Fire Officer Graduate Symposium, but I am glad they did.
After attending all the EFO Symposiums and helping to develop the content, I can count the number of speakers I chased down after their presentation and bought their book on one hand. Mike is one of them his book is The Victory Cycle.
Thanks Mike. I hope others read your book and invite you to present The Victory Cycle...
Michaels’s passion for his work came through the instant he began to share his personal experiences that guided him to conceive of VICTORY, an acronym that stands for: Vision, Inspiration, Commitment, Timed Steps, Obstacles, Rejoice, and Yearlong Adjustments. Recently I attended an event at Cucina Caruso Italian Market in Oakland Park, sponsored by the Italian American Descendants Business Network where I had the opportunity to be present at Michael Annese’s inspirational and motivational...
Five Stars! An enthusiastic personal guide to a new you!
Mr. Michael,
It was an honor and pleasure to have you in the presence of our teen group here at the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club. Our teens range from ages 13-18years old; to be frank, they were not up to hearing yet another presentation. Mr. Mike, (as the teens would call you) you came and encouraged them to get involved mentally. Not only were you able to get them involved but, you were also able to grasp and keep their attention on the SEVEN STEPS to VICTORY. Read Full Testimonial
The workshop benefits every aspect of development; personal and professional.
Just read The VICTORY Cycle! To say that it was “Inspiring” does not do this book justice. I actually started the journal suggested in the book. I have already noticed that in the beginning of my journal, I started statements with “I hope to….” and “I would like to….”, etc. By the time i finished the book, my journal entries began with “I am going to….” and “I will….. “. I am so ready for VICTORY!
...I cannot believe the change I am experiencing! The Victory Cycle is so simple to apply and slowed me down long enough to remember who I am and who I want to be! I am now charging ahead to my Victory, Thank you Victory Cycle for clearing my mind and filling my soul!
I’ve never felt lighter, I just begun working towards my Victory and that mountain seems so close. Too many years have passed where I was afraid, and not focused, just plane lack of belief in myself. After reading the Victory Cycle for just two days I found myself looking up again, I was starting to think not only could I make the climb to that mountain top but nothing will stop me! I have started training, and without trying I am losing weight already, I can’t wait to reach the s...
At first I thought that was another book just like everyone else in the market, however there was something different on the cover of the book that forced me to buy it, and I don’t regret it. I recommend it to everyone, because additionally of win a great book or a manual full of experiences and solutions, that inspire and motivate your daily life, we gained a friend and an adviser, that with his experience and his beautiful soul and heart, he has a great vision to be a beautiful light ...
Revealing, insightful and effective – I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, though I knew it was worth a try since I’ve lost control of things, a while ago actually, and I need change. I am so impressed and very grateful to the author for the lessons to be learned here. This book teaches you how to make changes for the better AND gives you the tools and the knowledge to do so, and what I found most helpful was the Victory cycle itself, the model that the author uses t...
The workshop reminded me what my vision is for myself. It made me think about the obstacles I need to overcome or work around in the business and in my personal life. Seeing the cycle helps me stay on track. Going through the exercises really opened my eyes and writing everything down made it so real. Even successful people need a coach!
We all have goals we want to achieve in this life. Some are big and some are small, but they are all important to our journey. For me, I’ve not been doing well I’m achieving my own because of my own fear or fund restraints. I honestly needed motivation to get back on track with them. The author gives us seven steps to follow in order to achieve them. I felt like Michael Annese understands that life happens. We all have things that pop up in our lives that prevent us from staying o...
This book is beyond inspiring! Not only does it make you want to dive right into your goals, but it gives you the tools to do it. The author is so positive and motivating. The examples he gives are very easy to relate to. He gives you the step-by-step path to start TODAY to reach your goals. I suggest the reader keep the journal that the author suggests, as it is very helpful. This book shows you that you don’t have to be a superhero or “wait till the time is right” to start...
I really enjoyed your workshop. It helped me remember what was really important in my life and how to focus on it. It’s all up to me and that’s a great feeling!
A must read guide to a better life – A must read for everyone who wants to change their lives with simple yet sure ways to look at life and work differently. Author Annese has written a step by step guide, if you will, to look at yourself, see who you are and where you want to go. Then, following his clear language guide, get on the “cycle” and make yourself better at work, school, and life utilizing proven management tools that can be extended to any area you choose. Annese...
This book “The Victory Cycle” by Michael Annese, is truly inspirational and moving. It was easy to read and had a major impact on my psyche. Usually I don’t buy into these self help books, but this one is totally different. It seems to motivate you as you are reading it and being interactive makes the reading that much more pleasurable. I think the author has struck a nerve and I am intent on following the path that he leads us down. All I can say is “Thanks for writing it..!!!”
...I love the cycle itself. It just makes me feel powerful when I look at it. 7 steps and 7 letters, makes V-I-C-T-O-R-Y is easy to remember and keep me on track.
If anyone wants to truly lead themselves to a better life, then this is the book to read. There is no way I could give a review that would do justice to Michael Annese’s book. Be prepared to learn a simple 7 step process to overcome the obstacles that life presents, all while gaining valuable leadership skills and tips on how to manage and overcome the fear of failing. This book is an easy read that will help you set and obtain goals with tips on how to self-analyze and make adjustments...