Books can provide inspiration for success

Visit your library and select books that appeal to you. Read autobiographies of people who have overcome challenges in their lives. Afterward, reflect on what you learned in order to assimilate the principles into your own experiences.

One of my favorite authors is the late Og Mandino. Although Mandino remains one of the most inspirational bestselling authors, with his books selling tens of millions of copies and having been translated into more than 25 languages, what is most remarkable is the story of his rise to success.

In the summer of 1940, just before Mandino was to go off to college to major in journalism, his mother died suddenly, right before his eyes while she was in the kitchen fixing his lunch.

Although his mother’s dream for him was to be a writer, “and not just a writer — a great writer,” she would remind him, he felt that with her death his dreams were over.

So Mandino enlisted in the Air Force, but a few years later returned home and moved to New York City. Buying a secondhand typewriter, he rented a small apartment and decided to try to fulfill his mother’s dream.

After countless attempts and presenting his writings to more than 50 magazines, no one had shown any interest in his work.

When his savings were drained, he gave up on his writing aspirations. Eventually, after scores of interviews, he was hired as an insurance agent trainee, and he married.

Soon, he became addicted to drinking and was unable to hold a job to support his family. Finally, his wife had had enough, and she took their only child and left him.

Mandino was now jobless and homeless. He drank his way across the country, doing whatever work he could find to survive and keep the wine flowing. He spent numerous drunken nights in gutters.

Then, one cold morning, Mandino was at the point of suicide. To stay warm, he entered a public library and soon found himself standing in front of shelves containing scores of self-help and motivational books, and the Holy Bible.

He began reading and searching, asking himself, “Where have I gone wrong? Can I make it with just a high school education? Is there any hope? What about my drinking problem? Is it too late for me?”

These books inspired him so much that he was determined to release the pain from the past and turn his life around. And he did.

He remarried, had a loving family and found tremendous career success.

And carrying out his mother’s dream, Og Mandino became “a great writer,” authoring 17 books, giving speeches all over the world, and positively influencing and motivating millions of people to achieve true success and happiness.

During a dark time in my life, a casual acquaintance gave me one of Og Mandino’s books. His words and his life story had a great impact on me and helped me to prevail over my challenges.

Did you ever read a book that had a positive influence on your life? When was the last time you shared meaningful anecdotes, stories and articles with other people?

I know a remarkable woman who took a leap of faith and began a new endeavor that she believed would make a difference in people’s lives. Having sacrificed much over the many years she spent developing her enterprise, she hit a major setback and lost almost everything she had worked so hard to achieve.

Yet, instead of wallowing in self-pity, she read the Bible and prayed, “God, I have done all I can. If it is your will for me to continue, you must send someone to help me.”

The woman carried on and decided that she was going to be happy right where she was, enjoying her day-to-day life. Continuing her volunteer work at a hospital, she spread joy to those around her.

Then, out of the blue, the lady received a phone call from a trusted associate who said, “Yesterday I went to lunch with an old friend. He asked about you and he wants you to call him.”

The next day, she phoned the man, who was a leading business owner in the city, and they set up a meeting.

After quietly listening to the woman’s dilemma, the business owner nodded, “I will help to get your business off the ground and secure your family home.”

Stunned, she asked, “But, why?”

The man replied, “Last year, when my mother was in the hospital, you selflessly visited her and read her encouraging articles and stories.”

He explained, “Those encouraging words helped my mother to heal and get well.”

A humble smile adorned the woman’s face, as the business owner declared, “I want to bless you for the kindness you have shown my mother and countless others.”

Visit your library and select books that appeal to you. Read autobiographies of people who have overcome challenges in their lives. Afterward, reflect on what you learned in order to assimilate the principles into your own experiences.

Their prevailing stories can strongly affect you to move toward triumphing over your situation. God wants you to look ahead to the new blessings in your life. He wants you to succeed and reach your full potential.

And as God did not forget about Og Mandino, He hasn’t forgotten you. So open the Bible and read what has been penned for you by the loving hand of your Heavenly Father:

“[My] banner over you is love.” (Song of Solomon 2:4)

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

“You can do all things through [Me,] because I strengthen you.” (Philippians 4:13)

“[I plan] to give you hope and a future.” ( Jeremiah 29:11)

Look around you today. Share what you have gleaned with someone else. Go forth and serve others. For, as you do, God will bestow His blessings in even greater portions.

God loves and is counting on you.

Email Catherine Galasso-Vigorito at cgv@anewyouworldwide.com. To order a copy of her new book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com or bookstores nationwide. Follow Catherine on Instagram @Catherinegalassovigorito.