Lead Or Be Lunch: The Power Of Earning InfluenceSample

One of our nations greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln, is a true testimony to the metaphor of "getting in the game." He absolutely fulfilled the "anyone can make it in America" ethos; he was a man of little means and education, born in a one-room log cabin, honest and hard working, who overcame numerous obstacles and failures in order to become the President of the United States when the nation was confronted with one of its gravest crisis.

Abraham Lincoln was not always a winner. In fact, he failed so often that it's a wonder he persisted and cemented his place in history at all. Many of you may not know that Abraham Lincoln began his political career in 1832 but was not elected President until the year 1860. In the 28 years that spanned his political career, Abraham Lincoln; lost his job, was defeated in state legislature, failed in business, his sweetheart died, had a nervous breakdown, was defeated for Speaker, defeated for nomination for Congress, lost re-nomination, was rejected for land officer, defeated for nomination for Vice President, again defeated for Senate, AND THEN HE WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! This all following the death of his mother at a very early age and a vicious and very poor upbringing.

Throughout his life, Lincoln was faced with defeat. He could have given up many times but the truest testament to his character, and ultimately what granted him his place in U.S. history, is the fact that he never did. His road to the White House is one of the greatest examples of persistence I have ever read. If losing eight elections, failing twice in business, losing a loved one and suffering a nervous breakdown didn't stop him then there's not much that should stop you from achieving your dreams of success. Lincoln became a champion because he was unafraid. Let go of your fear, get in the game and become your own version of champion!

Think about situations you've overcome throughout the span of your lifetime. Did you have a rough upbringing? Failures early on in life? Take today to reflect on how far you've come.