As I write this letter, I have returned from a very busy month of travel. Over the first half of the year I have visited nearly every continent. This has been a fantastic regional Rally season with tremendous crowds of Distributors filled with excitement for the opportunity that Forever brings. I have spoken with thousands of you, and I am continually amazed at your stories of perseverance and success. I know that building a businessisn’t easy, but nothing in life that is truly of worth is.
During those times when you experience a moment of doubt, you should think of the story of the great American painter, Norman Rockwell. During his lifetime Rockwell painted hundreds of magazine covers. But he was different from many other painters. He didn’t just paint life, he lived it. Just like each of us, Rockwell knew triumph and joy as well as failure and grief.
During his early years as a painter, Rockwell learned to keep going, even when it appeared hopeless. Although he went on to paint more than 300 covers for the Saturday Evening Post, the very publication that he is most famously associated with, one of his early cover illustrations had actually been rejected. Did Rockwell want to give up? Certainly! Did he? Certainly not! He remembered something he read in a book: “If you fall on your face, don’t lie there and moan, get up.” Now that is good advice for all of us.
Rather than accept the failure, he walked briskly to the offices of another magazine where he sold the painting. And rather than give up on the Saturday Evening Post, the very next day he started a new cover for them. There’s a lesson we can certainly apply in our Forever business. When someone tells you no, don’t become discouraged. Simply move on to the next person until someone tells you yes. And don’t forget about the people you have already spoken with. They may not be ready today, but life has a way of changing and tomorrow they may be ready for this incredible opportunity. As I mentioned, Rockwell went on to paint more than 300 covers for thePost, each portraying commonplace life and lasting values. Rockwell did so much more than paint – he was a storyteller who influenced generations. Daily life was his inspiration and he could bring a tear, a smile, and a comforting reassurance that we all have common hopes, dreams and experiences.
Norman Rockwell’s autobiography ends with these words: “I get up early every morning. I’m at work by eight. . . . I realized a long time ago that I’ll never be as good as Rembrandt. I think my work is improving. I start each picture with the same high hopes, and if I never seem able to fulfill them I still try my darnedest.” That is good advice to live by. I hope I never get to the point in my life where I feel I can’t improve. While I always want us to celebrate the successes, I never want us to feel that we have done enough. There are so many people who still need what Forever offers – who need to realize what real health and wealth are all about. I hope we all keep striving to move forward in our lives and in our businesses. There is always more that we can do. Always keep trying!
Norman Rockwell died at age 84 with an unfinished painting on his easel. He was dedicated to his goals and his perseverance made him stand out from the rest. I hope you, too, will set your goals and persevere to become a giant among men!
Rex Maughan
Chairman of the Board & CEO