One of the first things we have to do in life is accept the way things are.
That's the message from Peter Mischefski who has turned his life experiences into motivational speaking which he will launch in New Plymouth on October 3.
Peter was a 34-year old ``mad keen squash player'' and a passenger in a friend's car, asleep and without his seatbelt on, returning from a game in New Plymouth early one morning.
That was 23 years ago when Peter was thrown from the car and landed on the road 20 metres in front of the vehicle.
The alert to the hospital from the paramedics that attended the accident was that he would be dead on arrival.
He said the only thing he remembered was waking from a week-long coma thinking he was in trouble, but that he was lucky.
``The body is amazing,'' he adds, speaking about the accident that is just one of the many experiences that has
shaped his 57 years.
``Accepting the way things are puts you in a frame of mind at which you perform better to reach your goal quicker but, more importantly, it's about enjoying the journey.''
Peter said he used humour a lot which helped speed his recovery, but also that he had the support of his family and friends.
And there is the time, he recalls, when he was a teenager watching his family's house on Pembroke Road burn down.
But there are also the times when in 1976 and 1980 he was beaten in New Zealand snooker championship finals.
He started playing as a 13-year old and made the top eight in the country when he was 18, a little kid beating all the older guys.
Snooker, he says, is about focusing on the moment of the shot:
``Perform well and the results will come.''
The 20th anniversary, two years ago, of the accident was a defining moment for Peter when he realised that he would like to speak, motivate and inspire people to not waste time doing anything other than enjoying their lives.
``It's about accepting and liking who you are and knowing that you can control it.''
Between May and December last year Peter had already spoken to 3500 people with 1500 being his biggest audience. He says his heart races when he thinks about spreading the M3 word of motivation, performance
and results.
Joining Peter in the M3 Motivation launch is son Andrew, who has just completed his BSc majoring in psychology.
The M3 Motivation launch with Peter and Andrew Mischefski, 7.30pm, October 3, Espresso Cafe, Brougham St, New Plymouth. Entry is $25. Contact: 0274316491 or peter@m3motivation.co.nz, www.m3motivation.co.nz
