The Greatest Salesman in the World

The Greatest Salesman in the World

by Og Mandino

The Greatest Salesman in the World is a literary masterpiece on the philosophy of salesmanship. Every page lifts you to new heights and teaches you how to reach for the stars. It begins with the fabric that dreams are made of and then offers light to anyone who wants to see in the darkness. 

The key principles that make a man the greatest salesman are interwoven into every page and every character in this fascinating story. This is more than a book—it is an extraordinary guide to a happy and prosperous life.

Summary Notes

Generosity

You have mastered the art of living not for yourself alone, but for others, and this concern has stamped thee above all, as a man among men.

Kind-heartedness, loyalty, and generosity are rightfully considered superior character traits. A man becomes richer by dispensing his riches among the unfortunate and his most trusted advisors and friends. Accepting one’s mortality can bring humility in the gentlest of hearts. A man’s spirit can be elevated by noble acts of kindness.

One should feel the deep human desire to offer help and love to those that lack such emotional luxury and restore faith in humanity in their souls. Remember what truly makes a human into the best version of himself.

Actions to take

The Principles

All but one of these scrolls contain a principle, a law, or a fundamental truth written in a unique style to help the reader understand its meaning. To become a master in the art of sales one must learn and practice the secret of each scroll.

The quest for knowledge and truth opens new horizons for the person dedicated to mastering the art of sales. In order to achieve greatness in his profession, a man has to dedicate time, willpower, and faith in order to understand the key principles that govern success.

It is a fundamental part of humans’ nature to seek ways to become more prosperous. The journey towards amassing great wealth is deceptively simple. Therefore, only the ones ready to change their lives according to preset principles are those who are likely to succeed in this endeavor. One must be an avid and wise reader in order to be able to deduce meaning from valuable texts.

Actions to take

Determination

Obstacles are necessary for success because in selling, as in all careers of importance, victory comes only after many struggles and countless defeats.

Life is a complex journey, full of twists and turns. Things that matter do not come easily. Sometimes a person struggles on his way to success; however, it is of the utmost importance to find strength from deep within to overcome these obstacles on the road to greatness.

Defeats are not necessarily negative; in fact, they can help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses, and they can shape your character into that of a winner. Paths that do not have any obstacles usually do not lead anywhere.

Failure cannot overtake a person unless that person allows it. Keep in mind that success will come eventually, and you will never lose your determination.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked I

Today I begin a new life.

Preserving bad habits causes painful experiences and horrible defeats. A person that is driven by impulses and senseless passions is bound to suffer and face failures in life. Adopting a new mindset will lead to an improved life filled with success and gratification. The only way to begin this new life is to implement good habits every day.

By discarding bad habits and embracing good habits, a person consciously creates an improved destiny and relinquishes their pain. The life-changing decision to destroy bad habits represents a giant leap towards achieving great success. A person must become a slave to his good habits, and they will become an integral part of him.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked II

I will greet this day with love in my heart.

Love is the greatest driving force that can change the world for the better. A positive transformation of all humanity is possible only through the power of love.

When a person’s perceptions are tainted with hate, prejudice, and superficiality, they may remain blind to the wonders of the world and the subtle character qualities in people. Hate breeds hate, and love breeds love. Therefore, approaching people with the strong belief that they have at least one positive quality that makes them worthy of love may change your entire attitude towards others and towards yourself.

The fact that there are often qualities which are not easily seen might encourage you to approach life with an open mind and an open heart.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked III

I will persist until I succeed.

Our skills, personal strength, and perseverance are tested every day. Forming a winning mindset is crucial in order to succeed in our professional endeavors and in life in general. Failing is an inevitable part of this process; therefore, it is crucial to maintain a focused mind and realize that every success follows after unsuccessful attempts.

Every failure will bring you closer to your goal because you will learn from it. The desire to become better than the competition or to make one more sale before the end of the workday will be your driving force. Focusing on present opportunities and forgetting about yesterday’s defeats will open your mind and heart to new possibilities.

It is certain that you will become a paragon of mediocrity is you are burdened with past defeats and surrounded by people who constantly dwell on their failures. This behavior is contagious. The best way to prevent it is to focus on the present. A new day means a new chance to conquer the world.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked IV

I will win, and I will become a great salesman, for I am unique.

Embracing one’s individuality and original traits can be the deciding factor in achieving professional success. Once a person’s uniqueness is proudly accepted, it can be made attractive and enticing for others. Originality will make a person’s product stand out and attract customers.

Every single person on the planet has a purpose, and that purpose is to become greater and more successful. In order to do so, each individual needs to push the limits of their own potential, for everyone is unique in their capabilities and dedication.

To become the greatest salesman, one has to be focused and present. Thoughts of one’s family cannot interfere with workplace performance and vice versa—thoughts of one’s professional occupation cannot cloud family time.

Finally, one needs to recognize that obstacles in life are nothing more than hidden opportunities for using the unique talents which everyone possesses.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked V

I will live this day as if it is my last.

Living every day as if it was your last means living in the present and burying the past and the future. Procrastination is the result of laziness, and procrastinators live with the assuredness that tomorrow is a new day and a new chance to accomplish something that was not already accomplished.

When a person stops concerning themselves with past pain and future potential, all of their power is aimed at the present. Living in the moment will destroy hesitation and procrastination by introducing goals that can be achieved within a single day.

Furthermore, doubt, which is the arch-enemy of great professional endeavors, can be extinguished by maintaining constant faith in oneself and one’s qualities.

Eternity no longer lies in the future: it is here and now, and living life to the fullest is the only option left.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked VI

I will be master of my emotions.

The ability to master our emotions by consciously being aware of our actions is crucial for maintaining self-control and reaching new professional heights. People constantly aspire to strengthen their character, so it is important not to let our pure and unrestrained emotions and passions guide us.

A clear and reasonable mind is not blinded by the wide array of human emotions. Instead, a strong and self-aware person uses their actions to control emotions that might hinder their professional growth.

Finding a corresponding action to suppress an emotion is the most important first step towards conquering one’s weakness. True strength lies in constantly practicing actions that will control one’s emotions.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked VII

I will laugh at the world.

Being able to laugh is a remarkable characteristic which separates humans from beasts. Laughter can be beneficial for a number of reasons: it improves physical health, it eases pain, and it makes life bearable.

When faced with serious problems, it is important to keep in mind that “this too shall pass.” Humor is the greatest countermeasure to taking life too seriously. Any heartache, defeat, and frustration shall pass because laughter will make them shrink until they disappear.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked VIII

Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold. And how will I accomplish this? First I will set goals for the day, the week, the month, the year, and my life.

Life, with all its beautiful complexity, represents a wonderful mystery which we need to navigate wisely. Having a purpose makes life meaningful and worthy of living. In order to enjoy this unique journey, we set different goals that we want to accomplish.

By constantly reaching milestones and growing, we rapidly increase our inner value. Every goal that we set and achieve brings us closer to becoming the best and most valuable version of ourselves.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked IX

I will act now.

Procrastination is the greatest enemy of success. Procrastination, combined with the fear of failure and hesitation, diverts you from the path of success. There is no past and no future when considering taking action. There is only now. Living life to its fullest potential in the present leaves no place for a pause.

Only lazy people leave their business unfinished until tomorrow. Acting here and now means greater success in the marketplace. If you don’t act now, you will perish. That is the law of nature. Without immediate action, all words, promises, and plans turn into dust.

Actions to take

The Scroll Marked X

Only for guidance will I pray.

Praying for material things is futile. One has to follow the ten principles in the scrolls in order to attain wisdom and prosperity. Guidance is required to help us maintain good habits and admirable character qualities that will bring emotional and material wealth to our lives.

On the road to success, it is important to maintain our core values, humility, generosity, determination, perseverance, prosperity, actionability, compassion, and laughter.

Actions to take

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