The man was poorly educated, 65, broke and on Social Security. Like so many in that situation, he was destined to live out his days in mediocrity. But he decided to change his life.

    He didn’t wait to win the lottery. He just made a commitment to himself that nothing would stop him. He searched in himself for hidden talents, then remembered that friends and family always liked his chicken recipe.

    Since he had no money, he couldn’t start a restaurant, so he would have to sell his recipe in return for a share of profits. He jumped in his old Chevy and set off to make his fortune. After approaching every restaurant in town without success, he set off to the next town. And the next.

    Ask yourself this: How many rejections would you need before you quit? Okay, your strategies might have to change, but quit?

    Persistence: It's amazing what you can get done when it has to get done.