Derek Trotter lived in a council flat situated in a high rise building in Peckham, South London. He lived with his younger brother Rodney, and their granddad. Derek was what is affectionately known as a "cockney wide boy". He was a self confident, self assured guy who wore long mohair coats, dangled gold around his neck and wrists and smoked luxury cigars. He was a street trader, buying and selling goods on the streets and at the markets. Derek was always ready for the next trick to earn another bob or two.

 

One day he came up with the idea that money was to be made cleaning diamond chandeliers in grand and stately homes. Having negotiated with his first well-to-do householder, he, Rodney and granddad arrived to dismantle the first chandelier in preparation to clean it. The fixing point for this particular chandelier was a bolt that went through the ceiling joist to the loft above. Granddad, armed with spanners and a hammer, was delegated with the task of undoing the nut and bolt whilst Derek and Rodney stood positioned under the chandelier with a blanket held such that it was ready to catch the chandelier.

 

The nut was free from the bolt which just needed a final tap with the hammer to force it through the ceiling joist.

 

"Ready?" Granddad shouted through the ceiling.

 

"Yeh, ready" Derek shouted back.

 

Granddad tapped the bolt which obligingly dropped through the ceiling joist, releasing the chandelier. Unfortunately it was the wrong chandelier. A second diamond chandelier came crashing to the floor some eight feet behind Derek and Rodney.

 

Now I'm sure there are thousands out there who recognise this scene. It was from my favourite episode of what in my opinion was one of the best comedy programmes produced on British Television. Only Fools and Horses.

www.ofah.net.

 

I'm sure also that there are many who remember the various catchphrases that came out of that programme too.

 

" Rodney, you plonker" and

 

"Rodney, this time next year we'll be mil-yon-aires".

 

It may have taken a lot longer than a year to get there, but ardent fans of the programme will remember that indeed they did become millionaires. This by fortunate circumstances which they couldn't have planned for.

 

Despite their poverty stricken background, Derek always believed they would be millionaires. He imitated the lifestyle with the clothes he wore and the luxuries in which he indulged himself. He had that self belief and self confidence that one day he would make it, never straying from that dream despite the disasters that seemed to accompany every deal he tried to make.

 

In order for us to achieve our dreams, we to must discover that self belief. Self confidence, determination and courage are all part of that belief system that creates personal growth. Human potential has no bounds. We can be who we want to be if we truly believe that we can achieve our dreams.

 

Instead of saying

 

"You plonker Rodney" let's start believing that

 

"This time next year we'll be mil-yon-aires"

 

For those who delighted in watching Only Fools and Horses, feel free to comment, adding your personal favourite episode.

 

Terry Norrington

 

www.getselfconfident.com