I’ve been in a reading slump lately so when I went to the library a few weeks ago I picked up several small novels >200 pages. I’ve found that reading smaller books when I’m not feelin’ it gives me an incredible sense of accomplishment. It’s akin to putting gym clothes & shoes on, going to the gym and working out for 2 minutes. Sometimes showing up is half the battle.

I had never heard of the author or the book. The Greatest Salesman in the World by OG Mandino. I really wasn’t expecting much because the cover looks kind of gimmicky but I’m so glad I didn’t judge it. It was truly a gem! I’ve been in the personal development world since my daughter Amani was born, which means I’ve read a lot of books, watched a ton of mindset/growth YT videos & listened to endless podcasts on this topic – just totally and fully immersed myself in the world. My intention was to be a good role model for my daughter.

After a while, I realized a lot of these books contain similar themes, just written in a different way or with a slight tweak. The reason I liked Greatest Salesman is because it takes what everything you’ve probably learned and heard throughout your life and intertwined these important life lessons in a really simple, Aesop’s Fables type of story in less than 110 pages.

The following principles were highlighted in the story:

1. Start today. Form good habits and cultivate the discipline to stick to those habits. Have a leaner’s mindset with discipline as the foundation. Once the foundation is set, dive deep and repeat.
2. Embody love. Be love, share love. Embrace the day with love. End the night with love.
3. Be persistent. Keep going until you succeed.
4. You are a miracle & there’s no one in the universe exactly like you. You’re gifted with a powerful mind, special skills, and certain physical and mental abilities. This means your potential is unlimited.
5. Use time wisely. Focus on what matters. Work hard, cherish relationships, be present and express gratitude. Time is something you can’t ever get back.
6. Don’t let emotions dictate your life. Emotions aren’t facts and they aren’t truth. Master them.
7. Remember, this too shall pass. Be the light, smile and laugh often.
8. You’re in control of you, this is powerful. You’re in control of your emotions, your work ethic, how you show up in the world, how you cultivate relationships, what you spend time on. You’re in control of that and so much more.
9. Actions cure all. Anyone can come up with an idea. Anyone can create a plan. Anyone can set goals. None of that is worthwhile or matters unless you make the first move. Start today, start now.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Some really great quotes that I found striking are below:

• True wealth is of the heart, not of the purse.
• Whatever aid I give thee will be as a grain of sand compared to the mountains you must move for yourself.
• The rewards are great if one succeeds, but the rewards are great only because so few succeed.
• Never feel shame for trying and failing because he who has never failed has never tried.
• Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.
• As I repeat these words daily, they will soon become a part of my active mind but more important, they will also seep into my other mind, that mysterious source which never sleeps, which creates my dreams, and often makes me act in ways I do not comprehend.
• I will consider each days effort as but one blow of my blade against a mighty oak. The first blow may not cause a tremor in the wood, nor the second, nor the third. Each blow, itself, may be trifling, and seem of no consequence. yet from childish swipes the oak will eventually tumble. So it will be with my efforts of today.
• Never will I be of concern that my goals are too high for is it not better to aim spear at the moon and strike only an eagle than to aim my spear at the eagle and strike only a rock?

This was a very worthwhile read! I loved the story and found that it helped me remember the wisdom of the lessons much more easily. Also that was very concise and really did its job – rekindled my love of reading and inspired me to reach for another book.