Personal stories

[Kibet Hillary]

I liked that story too! When I was reading, I expected the friend to take advantage of him. I have had a similar experience with a few family members. They say they have a financial problem and anxiety because of it. One gives them help. They spend the money on unnecessary things or luxuries.

I also liked when he said that having a baby at seventeen was his responsibility. That happened to me at twenty-three. Everyone thought my future was doomed. My husband (at the time my boyfriend) and I took full responsibility. I did not let the pregnancy deter me from finishing my bachelor's degree. I graduated Magna Cum Laude. Then, I completed a master's degree with high honors. Twelve years later we are still fine, not doomed as people thought.

This is a wonderful personal story, Yolimari. It could be a lesson and an encouragement to others who may view such as an end to their lives.
Good to see that this topic is always benefiting us all through such sharings.

[BriennaiJ]

I think my favorite personal story or tidbit was when he said that he didn't always follow his own advice. That was what really sold me about this book, that he didn't try to say that we were all living horrible lives and that he had always followed these rules and been happy. He admitted that he sometimes fell short and wasn't efficient, and that he has to remind himself of his own rules to be happy.

[kdstrack]

The story that most impacted me was the information he shared about his marriage. His honesty about impulsive behavior and facing up to the consequences was moving. He used this example to emphasize his point that no situation should be used as an excuse to keep you from moving forward. I think most people would think this type of situation would qualify as a valid excuse. He shows what a difference your mindset can make in "any" circumstance.

[Jacci]

These personal stories added a lot of authenticity and the importance of the book over the others. The reality is that there are so many books out there in the stores on the same topic and subject matter thus including a personal account is always good as it gives the book some uniqueness.

Awesome! This one is perfect for a strrugling person to thrive in life no matter what happens. Books have the same thoughts, to help, to share and to earn. ☘

[holsam_87]

His stories about peer pressure and being taken advantage of are the most relatable for me. I have had similar things happen to me, and they have made it harder for me to be positive. I'm willing to work towards a more positive outlook.

[Kibet Hillary]

Learning much on the impact of the personal stories in this forum. At times, it is very easy to read through the stories without getting much since one may not get what the stories mean. This forum is making them seem more relatable through the various sharings.

[Lee-Ann20]

I think the idea.around surrounding yourself with successful people is to have their attitude and habits run off onto you, so that you also become successful. It's like the saying goes, lay with dogs, you're going to get fleas, but in a positive way.

[Azeline Arcenal]

My favorite story was also about the one where he lent money to his friends, only to have his friend drive a brand new car later that year. Reading that story made me think of how some people you consider friends are really just taking advantage of you.

[imjaneturner]

A story that really left me with questions was near the front of the book. His successful friend tells him that to be successful you must associate with successful people. I question if this is good advice.

This is interesting. I am an exercise and sports coach and I've read a few so-called inspirational books and essays that say something similar. I definitely think it's odd. I read one essay that advised surrounding yourself by people who are more talented than you are in order to create a successful business. I think we have to make sure there's a difference between surrounding yourself by people who make you want to be a better person, and surrounding yourself by people whose ideas and successes you can take credit for.

[Jeyran Main]

Not everyone is in need of help and not every help has to be financially related. By just spending time with someone in need or letting them talk to you about their problems can also be just as affected. I did enjoy how the author decided to help his friends regardless of what he finds out later.

[dreamthewilderness]

I enjoyed his story about his VW bus and the birth of his daughter - and how he was solely resposible for how it affected his life, and how his girlfriend was solely responsible for how it impacted hers. I usually think of children as demanding joint responsibility, but that's not how it works in the real world. It's best to recognize one's singular responsibility early on so no matter what happens one is ready to do what one must.

[Theresa Moffitt]

The personal story I loved was where Mark lend his friend money only to find out later in the same year that his friend was driving a brand new car. This portrays a true picture of what we face in life. Most are times we go out of our way just to help our friends but later they take us for granted. They take our kindness for weakness.

I really liked this personal story too. I felt like I could really relate to times when I tried to help someone and realized they either didn’t need the help as much as they claimed or took whatever help I could provide for granted to my detriment. The book really helps you look at things you do in your life that don’t benefit you.

[Highly Favoured One]

Wow, so many personal stories! I don't have any in particular that moved me, but I can say that the stories help the reader to connect with the author on a personal level and ask themselves whether that is the same way they could have handled that scenario.

[Louanne Piccolo]

To be successful, you must surround yourself with successful people. I'm trying to see all the ins and outs of that.. and although there may be something I'm missing, I'm not sure this is true. It seems a bit elitist to me.
And what is the definition of success anyway? To be rich? That's not the only type of success out there.

[Jessacardinal]

I like the story about the author wanting the VW but not having enough money to purchase it. This caused the author to learn the lesson of preparing and saving for future opportunities.