Jim Rohn

Jim Rohn (September 25, 1930 - December 5, 2009) was an American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker. His work has been influential in launching or furthering the careers of many others in the personal development industry, including Anthony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Brian Tracy and Jack Canfield.

Early life

Rohn was born in Yakima, Washington.

Career

By age 25, he was in a personal rut familiar to many middle-class families who were in debt, unable to see a way that would lead to his personal ambitions.

Around this time, he was introduced to John Earl Shoaff, an entrepreneur who impressed Rohn with his wealth, business accomplishments, charisma and life philosophy. Rohn joined Shoaff's direct sales organization, and began a process of personal development that culminated in his becoming a millionaire by age 31. Unfortunately, Shoaff, who had challenged Rohn to reach for this goal, died one year before Rohn achieved it.

In the years that followed, Rohn discovered a demand from people outside his industry to hear his rags to riches stories, and the personal development philosophy that he felt had led to his accomplishments. Rohn has been presenting his seminars for more than 40 years.

He has addressed over 6,000 audiences and 4 million people worldwide. He was the recipient of the 1985 National Speakers Association CPAE Award. He is also the author of 17 different books, audio and video programs.

Quotes

Jim Rohn was considered a "Business Philosopher". He did not claim to teach novel truths, only fundamentals - and as he was fond of saying: "There are no new fundamentals. Truth is not new, it's old. You've got to be a little suspicious of the guy who says, 'come over here, I want to show you my manufactured antiques!' No, you can't manufacture antiques."

Whoever rendered service to many put himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy."

"Success is not something you pursue. Success is something you become"

"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you."

"Don't just read the easy stuff. You may be entertained by it, but you will never grow from it."

"Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better."

"The most important question to ask in a job is not what am I getting but what am I becoming."

"Formal education will make you a living, self-education will make you a fortune"

Death

Jim Rohn died of pulmonary fibrosis after an 18-month battle on December 5, 2009 in West Hills, California.

Jim Rohn's "Five Major Pieces To the Life Puzzle"

    * Philosophy - how you think
    * Attitude - how you feel
    * Action - what you do
    * Results - measure often to see if you are making progress
    * Lifestyle - the kind of life you can make for yourself out of the first four pieces

Authors Note

It is interesting to note how I came about the works of the late Mr. Jim Rohn. I was reading an article by Adam Khoo and he mentioned about the people who have somehow influenced him. I search about Jim Rohn and all his works and I came across his audiobook entitled "The Day that Turns Your Life Around." I like his talks, the way he inserts humor on his talks and his constant reference to the Bible. Almost always he refers to it as according to an ancient author.

One of the best quote I got from his audiobook is:.
"The same wind blows on us all. The difference in arrival is not the blowing of the wind, but the set of the sail."