“We all face tough times, don’t we?  Life throws us curve balls from time to time. That just is the way it is. Times can be hard. The question is do you rise to meet tough times and see them through or do you buckle, cave and let them triumph over you? How do you meet the tough times you go through?

Napoleon Hill maintained that when the going gets tough your sincerity of purpose will sustain you. I love this because so much of what he wrote about was going the extra mile, adding value to others, helping others and applying the Golden Rule. He stated that these practices will help you make your dreams come true.

When others know that their interests are in your heart they can and do go out of their way for you. You could end up with booking more jobs, getting more clients and customers because you become known for delivering quality above and beyond the call of duty. You get known as someone with integrity and who cares.

It is hard to beat that, especially in this day and age when customer service is hard to come by, profits above people rule the purchase. Wages are low, costs are high. People have been demeaned an devalued. Help them, care for them, go that extra mile, deliver on your promises and then some and you will stand out.

I love another story Hill shared about Henry Ford and a woman named Martha Berry, founder of a Northern Georgia school for poor girls and boys. Their parents were not able to pay to send them to school. Times were tough for Ms. Berry and it was difficult to keep the school afloat.

She managed to book a meeting with mogul Henry Ford and requested a small donation to keep the school running. Ford refused. ‘Well then’, she said, ‘would you give us a bushel of peanuts?’ Apparently, this amused Ford so he honored this request. She and the students planted, harvested  and replanted the peanuts.

They made considerable sums of money. She took the money to Ford to show him how she had increased the return on his investment. Because he was so impressed with her and the students efforts he donated farm equipment and tractors.  He gave enough equipment to keep the self-sustaining school in business.

Over the years he contributed more than a million dollars to the school Ms Berry founded. Though skeptical at first, her strong belief in what she was doing convinced Ford to do what he first had refused to do. By her actions and faith she demonstrated that she was fully engaged in an absolutely worthy endeavor.

An endeavor so worthy that she would never let any obstacle or adversity prevent her from prevailing. She would never give in. Ford stated, ‘I couldn’t help but be impressed with her sincerity and the way she applied it on behalf of the needy boys and girls.’ Ms Berry was one who would not let circumstances rule but one who would rule over circumstances.

She demonstrated sincerity, ingenuity, the ability to take action, persistence, and much more, including her dedication and willingness to help others. Hill commented, ‘You can achieve your own goals in life by proving to others you have a sincere desire to help them. If you do,you won’t have to worry about the lean times. You will have more clients or customers than you can handle.’

I think this is a beautiful and excellent reminder to remember we are all in it together. A rising tide floats the entire boat. Together, we can make wonderful things happen. We can and should help others especially the more powerful we become. It reminds us that what we are on the inside will be reflected in what we create on the outside. From within to without. The good we put out there comes back to us!” Rex Sikes

Make it a marvelous day!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!