Jim Rohn (September 17, 1930 - December 5, 2009)

One of the most influential people in my life, and in MANY other’s lives, was Jim Rohn. A self-professed “Idaho farm boy,” Jim rose to fame as an entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker. I first met Jim in the 70s. I could not believe the amount of notes I was taking on what he was saying. I wanted to write down every word he said. My wife and I met him again in 1986 – more copious notes. On May 14, 2001, we met again as my wife and I took our teen-aged daughter to hear him speak. Our daughter wasn’t that interested in going, but she took many notes that she still has and she treasures the autograph she got that day! He had that effect on people.

It was partly due to these notes I had from Jim Rohn, and others, that influenced me to start the noted ‘thought for the day’ which I still distribute on a World-wide basis.

Not only was what Jim said valuable but the WAY he said it made an impact on you. There are times when I am in speaking situations and I hear Jim Rohn coming out of my mouth!! There are phrases that I can say to my wife, in the pronunciation style of Jim, that will bring back instant recall of one of his stories and the message that went with it. One of them is, “A DOLLAR” (gas station, Carmel, milk shake).

Although he didn’t know it, Jim helped to shape my life. He helped shape many lives. There is probably not a day that goes by that I am not reminded of something he said or wrote.

I am not sure how to say this the way I intend to, however, Jim Rohn’s death, after a prolonged illness, will probably not leave a void. By this I mean his work will be carried forward by his company and the many books, tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc. that he made available to us. He was influential in starting and furthering the careers of many in the personal development industry. These individuals will continue on. Their work will continue to influence and shape many more people. Just as he magnified the work of his mentor, J. Earl Shoaff, Jim’s work will be multiplied through hundreds of others in his field.

As a tribute to Jim Rohn, my ‘thought for the day,’ through the end of the year, will focus on the notes I made of his inspirational teachings.

Jim, thank you. God Bless You.

“I go with you in all the experience that we’ve had. But I promise you this as we leave here: I will not leave you behind. I’ll take you with me in my thoughts and in my heart.”

Jim Rohn Books

Jim Rohn DVDs

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