Isn't life funny?  Things happen all around us.  Sometimes you pay attention and somethings should be ignored.  But, as the old saying goes, life isn't about what happens to us, it's about what we do when something happens.  As a member of this planet for over 55 years, I've come to the conclusion that there are just 3 choices to everything in life.  While some of you may think I'm over simplifying, take a few minutes to finish this article and see what I mean.

To keep things on neutral ground and eliminate the popular excuse that things are different in your market, I'll use my journey as an author for the example in this article.  You can substitute any situation for what I'm about to share and I am confident you'll reach the same conclusion.  If not, you know how to reach me and I'll be glad to hear what you have to say.

In the mid 90's I got this ridiculously crazy idea that I should write a book.  Back then, my goal was to simply see my name on the cover of something and I didn't really care if it was any good.  Also, I had no idea how the publishing industry even worked.  All I remember is that my former boss, who knew everything about anything, told me I'd never get a book published.  It was at that point, I had just three choices that could shape the rest of my life.

First Choice - Give In

I could have simply listened to him, took his "friendly" advice and went on just doing my job.  A lot of people do this.  They hide their creativity and give in to getting along.  The lifetime of "don't rock the boat," has created a false sense of security that really deprives the world of new and sometimes better ideas.  Many times you convince yourself that this is a better way to go.  You don't risk anything and you protect what you have.

In closing your fist around what you already have, you often squeeze so hard that the things, business, customers, etc. slip through your tightened fingers.  Too many use these events to tell themselves this is exactly why protecting your "security" is so important.  The late Cavett Robert had another take on things.  He said, "Rather than fight over getting your piece of the pie, why not just make another pie?"  The reality of success is that it doesn't have to come at the expense of others.  Many times those who discourage you are afraid that you'll succeed and that somehow makes them less of a person.

Second Choice - Give Up

Writing and the publishing process has taught me so much about sales, goal setting and the three choices.  Truth be told, I was rejected by over 100 publishers before signing my first book contract.  But, I never really kept track of the rejections until after I signed with my first publisher.  I learned in the car business, that the people who don't buy are not going to put food on the table.  Those who say yes, feed your family.  I also knew that I only needed one publisher to agree to print my book to be successful.

Yet, in learning the industry, I've discovered that most writers quit after getting just 10 rejection letters.  Imagine letting the answers of just 10 people control your life.  I can remember getting told "no" ten times in a single day at a busy car dealership.  I'm still around the business after 32 years.  Imagine how many times people reject me! 

People I've helped get started in the car business have quit after just a week or so, just because some people didn't buy from them.  These are people who stayed in one industry for years even though they had been laid off, down sized, fired, etc.  But, the first obstacle in a new venture sends them scurrying back for the security of what they know.

Third Choice - Give It All You Have

Regardless of the results, do everything you can to achieve your goal.  To help my first book sell, I did over 300 media appearances, book signings, free speeches, free articles, and much more.  The reason for all of this is simple.  To sell a lot of books, you need to sell one first and then repeat the process.  Just like in the car business, people have to know who you are, where you are and what you do, if you have any hope of selling success.

Does the effort really pay off?  Judge for yourself.  Since 1996 I have gained 1.5 million readers just in English.  I have been privileged to be able to travel the world and train sales professionals and even other languages are taking my advice.

John Fuhrman is the Senior National Trainer for Carolina Automotive Resource Services, a unit of The Dealer Resource Group.  His ten books have reached 1.5 million readers and he has trained sales professionals around the world.  You can see all of his books on www.amazon.com. When your dealership needs amazing results hiring new people, visit http://www.thedealerresourcegroup.webs.com.   ATTENTION DEALERS:  VISIT OUR WEB SITE AND REGISTER TO KEEP UP ON MONTHLY TRAINING SAVING SPECIALS.  Our trainers are ready to show you our "WOW!" factor.  (c)2011 by John Fuhrman - Permission to reprint this post in its entirety, including contact information, is hereby granted.