Going to the Well

It’s been said that leaders are readers, and readers are leaders. This is true as the most common characteristic among top executives and millionaire entrepreneurs is the fact that they consistently read instructional, inspirational, or motivational books.

Throughout the years, there have been many great success-oriented authors. Many of them will quote successful people they have known or read about from the past. If you read enough of these books, you will experience an author quoting a previous author, who is also quoting a previous author, who is also referring to something he read, that was originally said by an historical or successful individual. While it’s good to read what other people think about someone else’s feelings regarding another person’s perspective, I believe if you want the pure water, you’ve got to go to the well.

I believe the greatest success writer of the last century would probably be Napoleon Hill, and the greatest orator may well have been Winston Churchill. While I enjoy reading other people quoting these giants, I always try to get back to the well periodically and read Napoleon Hill and listen to Winston Churchill. Somehow, when others are trying to use these legends as an example or something to build upon, they often inadvertently dilute the meaning or power.

These original thinkers along with many others broke new ground in what they wrote and said. Others may have built upon their work, including myself, but I hope whenever you read these luminaries referred to, it will prompt you to pick up a book or recording and go back to the original source.

Napoleon Hill wrote: “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” It is significant to understand that Hill developed and wrote these thoughts during the Great Depression. There was little to be optimistic about, but his words caused people then and now to begin looking for a brighter day and a new beginning in the midst of every problem.

Winston Churchill said, “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense.” These thoughts were formed in the great leader’s mind during the depths of World War II at a time when it looked like the British Empire could be wiped from the face of the earth, and the only reasonable course of action might be to surrender.

One of my favorite authors, Louis L’Amour, often said, “A man can only be judged against the backdrop of the time and place in which he lived.”

I hope this will prompt you to go back and review a bit of Napoleon Hill, Winston Churchill, and even Louis L’Amour.

As you go through your day today, enjoy the commentators and educators, but always go back to the well.

Today’s the day!

 

Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK  74145-9082; by email at Jim@JimStovall.com; or on Facebook at Facebook.com/JimStovallAuthor

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