“I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth, will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.” – Og Mandino
Funny how things work sometimes… I was set to do an event in Atlanta in the early 90’s with Jim Rohn and another famous speaker. Well, the other famous speaker had to cancel due to an unforeseen challenge. I went searching for a replacement that would be as well known, accepted, available and yes, in my budget.
My search led me to the author of The Greatest Salesman In The World, The Greatest Miracle in the World and The Choice (just to name a few), Og Mandino.
I had a lot of brushing up to do now promoting the author of over 10 best-selling books. What I did not know was this former Publisher of SUCCESS Magazine and student of W. Clement Stone had overcome many, many personal challenges and obstacles before launching his own path to success in his late 30’s.
Og by his own admission was a recovering alcoholic and he had, at one time, been close to taking his own life.
I think that is one of the reasons Og’s message (when speaking and in his books) was so compelling. He had been through hell and back and come out the better.
His 10 scrolls in The Greatest Salesman In The World is a must read (email me at info@kylewilson.com if you would like a PDF of the 10 Scrolls).
I had the chance to work with Og multiple times after that first event in Atlanta. His story inspired me and seeing all the people who had experienced changed lives through his message encouraged me to share it with others.
Og unfortunately passed away 5 years after I first met him. It was a sad day for the world and for me.
In his honor, here are a few more Og-isms:
“Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity.”
“Do not listen to those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious.”
“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.”
“I will not allow yesterday’s success to lull me into today’s complacency, for this is the great foundation of failure.”
“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.”
“The person who knows one thing and does it better than anyone else, even if it only be the art of raising lentils, receives the crown he merits. If he raises all his energy to that end, he is a benefactor of mankind and its rewarded as such.”
“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster. Your life will never be the same again.”
It’s an honor to say one more time, Thank You Og!
Kyle Wilson
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Kyle Wilson is the founder of LessonsFromNetwork.com, Jim Rohn International (JimRohn.com) and YourSuccessStore, he is the author of 52 Lessons I Learned from Jim Rohn and Other Great Legends I Promoted! and co-author of Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul. To learn more about becoming part of the Lessons From Network go here!