A Tribute to Og Mandino

I used to be a salesman and one of my favorite books that I read and re-read over the years was “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino. This little book inspired me to be a better person as well as a better salesman. Og had a way with words and his stories would tug at your heart and make you think.

Og’s other books also ended up in my library including his classic about a ragpicker named Simon who changed peoples lives. Instead of actual rags that have been thrown in the trash, he searches for ‘human’ rags that have been discarded by society or by themselves when they’ve giving up hope. This is a memorable book and one that points out one of the true virtues of a successful person.

Og passed away ten years ago this September but his works live on.

I want to share a few of his excerpts from his books.

On the value of discipline…

“My dreams are worthless, my plans are dust, my goals are impossible. All are of no value unless they are followed by action.”

On persistence…

“To succeed you have only to take another step. If that should fail, then take another, and yet another. The greatest people never accept defeat.”

On goal setting…

“I will be my on prophet and though all may laugh at my utterances they will hear my plans, they will know my dreams; and thus there will be no escape for me until my words become accomplished deeds.”

Og truly had a great effect on my life. On those dark days in sales when nobody bought anything and the grips of failure would come over me, I could always find comfort with his little books. I would read a short chapter and the sun would come out again.

I’ll never forget his memorable quote…