"The Pursuit of Happyness"

Entrepreneurs inspire me. People who live their definition of success inspire me.

I'm currently reading "The Pursuit of Happyness" the autobiography of Chris Gardner, successful broker and the founder of Gardner Rich & Company, a multimillion-dollar brokerage firm.  It is very inspirational, a story of triumph over challenges that would have defeated most.

As we follow Chris' journey we are privvy to his mother's wisdom which motivates Chris and which I want to excerpt here for you when you doubt yourself or your ability to achieve your goal(s).

"No one else can take away your legitimacy or give you your legitimacy if you don't claim it for yourself."

"...she was talking about self-knowledge, about an authentic belief system, an inner sense of oneself that can never be rocked.  Others may question your credentials, your papers, your degree.  But what is inside you no one can take from you or tarnish.  This is your worth, who you really are, your degree that can go with you wherever you go , that you bring with you the moment you come in the room, that can't be manipulated or shaken.  Without that sense of self, no amount of paper, no pedigree, and no credentials can make you legit.  No matter what, you have to feel legit inside first."

Going into practice for yourself upon graduation from law school, requires you to simultaneously graduate with honors from the "School of Self-Worth." That degree which you bestow upon yourself is by far more valuable than your J.D. 

The two degrees, however, when combined, will empower you to open your own law practice even in the face of family, friends, the law schools, the legal community and anyone else who will say, "you can't do that."  Yes, you can. The two degrees combined will help you create the dialogue you need when your very first client says, "Why should I hire you?"  The two degrees combined will help you establish your credibility as a professional and enable you to build a rewarding and profitable solo practice.  The degree from the "School of Self-Worth," however, will be the degree alone which will help you to create and live a rewarding and rich life.

Comments

[Chuck Newton]

I haven't read the book, but I saw the movie, and it was wonderful.