I am optimistic. But I also know that, with time, I'm beginning to fight issues of aging as well as long-term paralysis.

I am a very lucky guy. I can testify before Congress. I can raise funds. I can raise awareness.

I have more awareness of other people and, I hope, more sensitivity to their needs. I also find that I'm more direct and outspoken.

It's important to me to say what I really mean.

I think the thing about that was I was always willing to work; I was not the fastest or biggest player but I was determined to be the best football player I could be on the football field and I think I was able to accomplish that through hard work.

My journey has been up and down a little bit. Everything that has to do with success for me has sort of become a shock to me. You work so hard, you work so hard, and it happens; you're like, 'What? Wait, it's happening to me?'

The revival of the U.S. financial system after the crash of 2008 is arguably the Obama administration's biggest domestic policy success.

If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren't doing enough asking. And you're probably not asking the single most important question that can help you achieve a higher level of success and personal fulfillment: How am I doing?