This week I read “Thrive: 30 Inspirational Rags-to-Riches Stories” by Jason Navallo. The book features 30 rags-to-riches stories, from actors, entrepreneurs, musicians, and authors. What I like about this book is that it focuses on the beginning part of a successful journey, the part that’s filled with heartbreak, failure, and a heck of a lot of work.
One theme that was prevalent throughout the book was HARD WORK! All of the people featured knew how to hustle, even for years without seeing progress. There were definitely some lucky breaks: the right person saw the work, catapulting their career. However, the only reason they were in the right place at the right time was because they had been in that place, over and over, practicing their craft, for years or even decades.
This was incredibly inspiring for me as an entrepreneur. It can feel like a fool’s errand to start a business, working day and night for a business that becomes an obsession. Don’t take this as an invitation to sit around and wait for your lucky break. Work hard, continuously improve and go out and find your lucky break.
Sam Walton was told, “Maybe you’re just not cut out for retail.” Vin Diesel got his start when a film he wrote, starred in and financed was noticed by Steven Spielberg. Harrison Ford got his big break when, as a self-taught carpenter, he impressed George Lucas by building cabinets in his home. Howard Schulz, the CEO of Starbucks, was told that “Americans are never going to spend a dollar and a half on coffee.”
This book is a quick and inspirational read. I read it over the course of a Sunday afternoon. I’d recommend this book if you need motivation to persevere.
[Disclaimer: I was contacted by the author and given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I found the book extremely quick and easy to read, as well as motivating. Your time is valuable, and I recommend books that I truly enjoyed.]
Philomathory 