I thought that it was a great headline, but at the same time I was a bit afraid that it might sound hollow.
What convinced me to use it? I read Borat's life story.
Or, more precisely, the life story of Sacha Baron Cohen, the actor who plays the role of "a glorious son of Kazakhstan.
" These days (mid November 2006), Cohen's pictures are on the covers of entertainment magazines all over the world.
His movie is a big hit and there is no doubt that he is a very talented and original comedian, but...
it was not always like that.
After graduating from college, he gave himself 5 years to make a living as a comedian.
Four years into this period he was still struggling and it was not until he was about to give up that his career took off.
Literally two months before the end of the 5 year period, the idea of Borat has launched his worldwide stardom (according to the November 30th story in Rolling Stone Magazine).
He is not alone.
Jay Leno, one of my most favorite American comedians whose show I watch religiously, is another example.
If you have not read his life story, "Leading with My Chin," then you really don't know what you are missing.
His book is one of the most hilarious books you will ever read, but the picture it paints is not one of an overnight success, but that of a long trek to fame.
And if you really think that life has treated you unfairly, as it might have really been the case, then you need to read this book: "Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, and Happiness.
" If this book does not convince you that you can overcome any problem in your life, then you, my friend, are indeed a total failure.
Don't worry, though.
No one is really completely worthless; they can always serve as a bad example.
The moral of this article is quite simple, but perhaps profound: whether it is succeeding at daytrading, mastering Texas Hold'em or making it big in online marketing, remember that very often what separates winners from losers is nothing more than perseverance.