Leaders who were motivated and overcame adversity and became successful

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 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.
Benjamin Franklin 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 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.
Lucille Ball 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.
The Beatles 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 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.