Reading has been a life-long passion and great inspiration
for me. I credit a loving grandfather for introducing me to the value and
pleasure of a good book. “Gramps” introduced me to the inspiring
“rags-to-riches” works of Horatio Alger. To this day, I treasure a good
story of anyone who overcomes obstacles and barriers to reach great
heights of success and achievement.
There is much to be learned from observing the efforts of
others as they strive to succeed. Over the years, I’ve compiled a number
of short anecdotes that have provided inspiration and motivation in times
of need. In the coming months, I’d like to share a sampling of these
narratives in hopes that you, too, will find them inspiring. Be certain to
check back on this column from time to time as we continue to add
anecdotes to this growing collection of stimulating observations.
Sir Isaac Newton is remembered for his explanation of the
Law of Gravity. Newton said that for every action, there is an equal but
opposite reaction. Some people who have suffered the most from life are
the same ones who rise the highest. They find ways to take energy from
obstacles. Newton, by the way, began as a poor farm boy whose father died
before he was born and whose mother raised him on a total income of $400 a
year.
The 15th of 17 children of a poor candlemaker, he had only
one year of schooling. Therefore, he taught himself four languages,
science, finance, politics, the classics, and how to write for
publication. He went on to become a best educated and world famous
inventor, diplomat, and author… Benjamin Franklin.
Babe Ruth is remembered as the “Home Run King.” He was
also the “Strike-Out Champion,” having failed at bat 1,330 times, more
than any other player in the major leagues at that time.
In 1927, the head of a drama school advised Lucille Ball
to try another profession because she would never make it as an actress.
She went on to have a history-making television series and eventually
owned her own movie and television studio.
In 1962, an executive of Decca Records made the following
statement about a singing group: “We don’t like their sound. Besides,
groups playing guitars are on the way out anyway.” He was talking about
the Beatles.
Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, co-authors of the
world renowned Chicken Soup for the Soul® book series, were
turned down by 33 of New York's biggest publishing houses in the first
month of their efforts to promote their labor of love! They heard,
"Anthologies don't sell." "We don't think there is a market for this
book." "We just don't get it." "The book is too positive." "It's not
topical enough." All totaled, they were rejected by 140 publishers. To top
it off, their agent said, "I can't sell this book - I'm giving it back to
you guys." They finally found someone willing to take a risk on their
project, Peter Vegso, President of Health Communications, Inc. The first
books were published on June 28, 1993, and had become a Christmas favorite
by the end of December. Word of mouth soon led to a groundswell of
popularity. To meet the demand, the publisher had to subcontract printing.
With over 60 million copies sold to date, 48 titles in print in the United
States and translations in over 30 languages, Chicken Soup for the Soul®
has made international publishing history. At one time or another there
have been at least eight Chicken Soup for the Soul® titles
simultaneously in the top fifty on the USA Today best-selling books list.
Jack and Mark hold the record in The Guinness Book of World Records for
having the most books on the New York Times bestseller list at one time;
seven books on May 24, 1998.
Harry K. Jones is a professional speaker
and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a firm
specializing in custom-designed keynote presentations, seminars, and consulting
services. Harry has appeared all over North America addressing topics such as
change, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting,
leadership, stress management, teamwork and time management for a number of industries,
including education, financial, government, healthcare, hospitality, and
manufacturing. He can be reached at 800-886-2MAX or by visiting
http://www.AchieveMax.com.
Publication Date: Fall 2001
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