TENACITY SPOTLIGHT: Walter Elias Disney
Foreword: One of the dominant behavioral traits of history’s most successful Entrepreneurial CEOs is: tenacity.
When you look it up in any dictionary you’ll soon discover that it’s typically defined with two-word combinations such as: persistent determination, stubborn perseverance and unrelenting doggedness.
Anytime a behavioral trait like that requires an adjective and a noun to be defined accurately, it’s something I enjoy looking into … and that’s why this month’s “Tenacity Spotlight” is on Walt Disney.
Biographer Dr. Gene Landrum reports, “Creative geniuses (like Walt Disney) never give up and therefore seldom succumb to the vagaries of change and innovation.”
Story: When Disney drew the first Mortimer Mouse (later Mickey Mouse) many of his associates, including his brother, Roy, laughed at his creation.
His colleagues and critics did the same for The Three Little Pigs and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Both animated productions were labeled “Disney’s Folly.”
Walt’s Disneyland idea (now acknowledged as ”The Happiest Place On Earth”) was ridiculed as a “carny” idea from a man with a “Barnum and Bailey” mentality.
But Disney never allowed expert opinion or adversity to halt him from creating what he recognized as unique and innovative children’s entertainment.
It was his tenacity as an Entrepreneurial CEO that enabled him to protect his ideas and confidence to consequently build the world’s most famous animation empire and amusement park!
Disney was extremely productive with approximately 700 films in fourteen languages to his credit. By the beginning of the 21st century, over a billion people had paid admission to see his films.
In my view, it was his tenacity, not his creativity, that inaugurated the Golden Era of Disney (between 1936 and 1941) when he produced many of the greatest animated movies in history.
But it didn’t start out “golden” because in 1934 when Disney decided to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (the first full-length animated feature film), motion picture critics went into shock. “How could a fairy tale suspend the interest of a viewing audience through over a half-dozen reels of action?” they sneered.
Dr. Gene Landrum writes in Profiles of Power and Success, “Disney’s innovation was considered a brilliant stroke of genius by only a few, but the act of a raving mandman by most. Few had his vision including his brother Roy who told him, ‘You’re trying to ruin us.’ “
Almost everyone in the motion picture world regarded the movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as “Disney’s Folly.”
But Disney didn’t give up on his dream. When the bankers refused to fund this story of a fantasy princess whose innocence wins out over the wicked witch, Disney was out of money half-way through filming.
The extreme pressure and anxiety caused Walt to suffer his third nervous breakdown in 1935.
Again, Disney’s tenacious resolve never gave in to those wanting him to stop the project. Although the film almost destroyed his marriage (he often slept at the studio night-after-night), in mid-1935 he finally convinced Bank of America to loan him $5 million to complete the animated film.
The release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is Walt Disney’s crowning achievement and a great example of how a tenacious Entrepreneurial CEO can add massive value to the rest of the world.
Twenty million saw the movie during the first 18 months of its release. Time magazine hailed it as a masterpiece and Variety called it an “all-time box office champ.”
At a time when movie tickets sold for twenty-five cents each, it’s remarkable that Snow White could earn $8 million its first year out of the gate and an unprecedented $100 million by 1991!
The movie was shown in eight languages and enthralled audiences strolled out of the theatres humming, “Heigh ho, heigh ho … it’s off to work we go.”
Dr. Landrum insightfully makes the unarguable point that ”Walt Disney succeeded in making Doepy, Grumpy, Doc, Sneezy, Bashful, Happy and Sleepy into stars.”
Epilogue: I want you to remember Walt Disney’s tenacity the next time you see a Mickey Mouse T-shirt in an airport or theme store in any city in the world. His theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo and Paris attract over 65 million visitors annually.
By 1995, the company Walt Disney tenaciously built employed over 100,000 people and shocked the financial world when Michael Eisner announced on July 31st, 1995 (13 years ago today) the acquisition of ABC for $19 billion.
But the most astonishing fact of all is that of the dozens of animated movies that have since produced hundreds of millions in revenues worldwide, two-thirds of them were considered loser on Walt Disney’s first release!
With this post, I honor Disney’s tenacity.
This over-achieving high school dropout overcame the ridicule from his colleagues and critics, he sidestepped multiple flirtations with bankruptcy (including two bankruptcy filings in the early 1920s) and pushed through eight (yes, eight) nervous breakdowns!
His optimism can be summed-up in two sentences he was known to say often: “If management likes my projects, I seriously question proceeding. If they disdain them totally, I proceed immediately.”
Tags: alex mandossian, CEO, disneyland, entrepreneur, gene landrum, Info Marketing, mickey mouse, tenacity, walt disney
thanks for sharing Alex. My best trait I label focus but actually its more like tenacity. I’m happpy to know i have something in common with such a great creative artist. Nan
while I may take exception to the last paragraph (but I get the essense of what’s being said), its always good to hear the thoughts of successful men. always.
Great idea! Reading about successful entrepreneurs is a terrific way to stay focused, learn trued and true strategies and realize that good old hard work and tenacity pay off. Can’t wait to read new postings as they come. Thanks.
Hi Alex,
As a Disney nut and former Cast Member (albeit it a very short time period), this is a great article on WED. He has been my inspiration during these times since I was in Orlando and my life destroyed by 4 hurricanes in 5 weeks. I eventually returned to Colorado and have NOT given up on “my Disney property”. I believe in my business, I believe in my products, above all…I believe in myself. I know I will eventually get back on my feet from those terrible hurricanes and I will succeed in “jump starting” my business. Jump starting my business will jump start my life and put me back into a position to help others like I did “pre-hurricanes). I know GOD has put me into this position to better understand “victims” of natural disasters and thus be able to help them better. In my mind…this parallels WED’s life and dreams.
Great article…keep it up!
Hope the family is doing great!
Shirley
http://proorganizer.com
(updated site to be launched soon)
I agree. These superpreneurs like the creator of the super mouse have that insatiable ability to never ever stop what they do. Giving and failure is not acceptable. Death is preferable to giving up.
Their stories, like Mr. Disney’s is one of being in positive control of their wealth.
Love this story, Alex.
Great Wealth and Happiness,
Stephen Chua
Wonderful kickoff to your new series, Alex!
Here’s something else folks might enjoy learning about Walt’s approach to business.
When evaluating new creative ideas, he examined them from 3 perspectives. First he put on his “dreamer” hat and mapped out what he thought his “success story” looked like. (Always a good idea to begin with the end in mind.)
Then he put on his “realist” hat and did all the logistical and project planning required to bring the new idea to life leaving no aspect to chance.
Finally, he’d put on his “critic” hat to better anticipate the obstacles that might be placed in his path so they could be neutralized and/or ignored depending on the situation. Note that he did not care about the opinions of “critics” and nor should we. It’s part of the freedom we inherit as entrepreneurs.
Walt cared obsessively about the professional excellence of the finished product. And on that basis, a great company was born to serve as a role model to us all. I agree he’s a terrific role model and I recommend reading about his life and work for inspiration!
Thanks for sharing this info about Walt Disney with us!
Cheers!
Professor Linda M. Lopeke
The SMARTSTART Coach
This was a really intersting post. The Tenacity series could be a great inspiration to us all.
What I liked most about Walt Disney was that in spite of all his problems, his stories were unrelentingly Optimistic! Isn’t that what many of the “Thought Leaders” (including you, Alex) are telling us today — to believe in our dreams! Dream big — and do the work!
When we wish upon a star
Makes no difference who we are
When we wish upon a star our dreams can come true!
Thanks Walt. Thanks Alex.
Martha “The Holistic Cookie”
Tenancity is first because doubt can creep into any project. Walt had it and the people who knew and worked for him loved him.
Having owned multiple businesses in SoCal I have met many of these people and they were inspired by him long after his death.
I liked this post Alex.
Warmest Regards,
Edward
I loved this story. I knew parts of it, but really enjoyed your viewpoint and it makes sense to me: that tenacity was his greatest strength! I did not know about his nervous breakdowns, and I found your comments of great value when I compared it with the “official” Bio. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Hi Alex,
love the post! It seems that “Everything is the opposite of what it appears, and nothing is the opposite of what it appears!”
Maybe the ridicule we receive for thinking outside the box is an indicator that we are onto something great?
Brendan.
What else is possible?
I love stories, music and movies that inspire people, so I think this blog series is very worthwhile. I think it will help all of us infopreneurs to keep going and believing in ourselves and our dreams no matter what others around us say!
Alex – I think this is a great idea and I thank you for this post.
Tenacity is a much-overlooked trait of successful entrepreneurs. So often, in training, we focus on the skills – marketing, selling, operations, product creation (and repurposing!), etc.
We talk about the importance of having a vision, setting goals, overcoming obstacles and taking consistent, measured action towards our vision.
But HOW we do that; how we persevere in the face of adversity and the laughter, disbelief or scorn of others – with the tenacity of people like Disney, Trump, Winfrey, Branson, et al – is something that is rarely discussed.
I wonder – is tenacity something that can be learned or is it an inborn talent that we are either born with or we aren’t?
Are each of us tenacious in the areas of our lives that we are most passionate about and not as resolute in the areas in which we may work but where we do not have such passion?
Can we use tenacity to uncover our true “sweet spot” or purpose in life?
Thanks for making me think about this! I’ll be checking back to see what your other readers think about this topic!
– Paul
Paul Keetch
Creator, Millionaire Prep School
http://www.MillionairePrepSchool.com
Nice post. In fact Disney’s success is quite logically explained. If people think you’re idea is crazy, you probably have a winner. You see, if the average person thought you had a good idea, the chances are it has already been done and the opportunity is diminished. The only way to be first and dominate a market like Disney (or Amazon) is for people to think you’re crazy.
Alex,
I like your post about Walt Disney and would urge you to continue the series. I think many people (adults and children alike) in today’s world are too used to not persevering past initial obstacles. It doesn’t matter if the obstacles are business related, or for kids mastering such things as the multiplication tables, there needs to be recognition that many things just take plain hard work.
For me, my personal mission is to get the non-profit sector to realize that there’s still a goldmine of donations available to them through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). There’s an old saying which is to “Fish where the fish are” but many in the the non-profit sector have forgotten that adage.
In case you think the CFC is small potatoes, through it, Federal public servants have donated more than $1 billion of unrestricted funds in the past five years. In terms of actual giving, if the CFC were a foundation, it would be the tenth largest foundation in the USA.
This is the part that I really don’t get – By law, it is the only time that Federal public servants can be solicitated for charitable contributions at work, and every U.S. Federal agency in the world conducts a CFC campaign each fall. Yet, it’s like pulling teeth to get the non-profit sector to recognize the benefits of workplace giving in general, (which is the only form of subsidized fundraising that I’m aware of) and the CFC in particular.
Regards,
Bill Huddleston, CFC Expert
http://www.cfcfundraising.com
Blog: http://www.cfctreasures.wordpress.com
Hey Alex,
I really enjoy these type of inspirational stories
because not only is there so much to learn, but it gives me hope that no matter how difficult things may get, if I truly persist I will succeed in creating the life I want for my family and myself.
This is the first of your blogs I’ve read, but I guarantee I’ll be back for more. Keep ‘em coming.
Success and Semper Fi,
Patrick (Stepanahaff) Ryea
Even though I love stories and especially ones
that are of tremendous success, I would want to
be challenged in some way to question my level of
tenacity by asking when I have quit and given up
instead of pushing through as Walt Disney did.
What kept him going when he had plenty of reasons
to quit? He certainly was not afraid of failure or
success.
So, the concept is good and the lives are worthy of
acknowledging and emulating….but I believe we all havethe same capability – why do we give up?
Successful people do what other people don’t feel like doing – true? Great idea Alex, keep it going but add some challenge to your readers based on the highlighted life.
Alex,
So many emails, teleseminaars, etc come flying at me thaAlexMandossiant I don’t have time to mess with them.
I run into the same problem trying to get my stuff published, which I’ve done 13 times with the majors, plus a sstack of self pubs by my clients.
I enjoy a lot the brief story of tenacity of Mr. Disney, but the last paragraph has no waste: “if every agrees, I doubt, but if they disdain, I proceed inmediately”. I am going to keep in my mind next time I am in a similar situation,
Alex: Thanks a lot for your blog, congrats!
Hi Alex,
This is a powerful post and it reminds me of Napoleon Hill’s Chapter on Persistence from “Think and Grow Rich”. He wrote, “There may be no heroic connotation to the word persistence, but the quality is to the character of man what carbon is to steel.”
Thanks,
Neel Raman
http://www.neelraman.com
This is inspirational! I love this kind of thing; stories like these give me the courage to keep going, to keep pushing forward. I have been a student of yours Alex, for a couple of years now and I am finally starting to live my dream because I followed (am following) ALL your directions and I kept on doing the next thing on my list. Thank-you Alex, and I vote for YES please keep posting these!
Darlene
Thanks for the invite, Alex, and I’m grateful to have seen your message and be able to respond. This was perfect, for today especially; if you’ve got more of these, it may be just what we all need, or those who somehow find their way here. Thanks for everything so far, before this, and what’s on the horizon…
Best,
J.
humanitypages.blogspot.com
Like you, I admire Walt Disney. He is a role model that modern entrepreneurs can learn a lot from. He had creativity, tenacity and he had one thing more, a confidence in the ultimate triumph of his vision; this confidence was the root of his tenacity and the root of his ability to sell the vision to the banker who took a risk on this attractive, but unproven, vision.
Phil Cullum
Host, Conversations with Marketers
We make at least two trips to Walt Disney World a year. My wife loves it, my 10 year old daughter love sit….and deep down, I love it too.
I love it because of the dream that Walt Disney had and I’m seeing his dream in reality.
I keep a Disney World mug on my desk. It’s got mainstreet on it and Walt and Mickey holding hands in the mug.
I’m a believer.
Jay NaPier
I’ve always admired Walt Disney for his creativity. Then when I read his biography this spring, I came to admire his tenacity as well.
He is a man to admire for both his creativity and tenacity.
Tenacious creativity or creative tenacity, they both work.
Interesting thing…. when I started reading his biography, I began to have the most creative dreams…
#1: I live near Disney World and never knew this history of Walt… very interesting.
#2: It’s so easy to look at the super-successful business creators and say ‘how lucky they were to be in the right place at the right time’. And yet the majority of them all started in the same place that many of us are or have — struggling to get a business idea off the ground; dealing with our own self-talk telling us that we don’t have what it takes to be successful; people questioning our sanity, our smarts, and our financial capacity. So it’s great to see one of the superstars brought down to human level and see how his strong will and tenacity got him to the highest of levels. Next time I’ve got that self-talking going again, I need to add some self-talk that says ‘I’m grateful that I haven’t even had one nervous breakdown yet, so I’m doing better than Walt!’
A great article. Very well written. We can all learn something, and/or have our learning reinforced. Patience is a virtue – tenacity is the grit to get-r-done.
Alex-
The source material you used for this profile is not the best. You might want to look at Robert Dilts’ series of books, “Strategies of Genius.” Disney is one of several people that Robert studied and he describes Disney’s thinking strategy.
For example, he explains that Walt was really three people. He was a “dreamer,” a “realist” and a “critic.” The people who worked for Walt weren’t always sure which Walt would show up for a meeting. Disney’s ability to rotate through these three personas was a key to his ability to turn his creative ideas into reality. The story that Dilts tells is much more compelling than the one in your blog.
I’ve met a lot of tenacious people who are dogged in their pursuits. Unfortunately most are not very talented or very smart. They still fail, it just takes them a lot longer than most to realize and admit it. Tenacity alone won’t do much for you if you don’t have good ideas and smart strategies for turning them into reality.
If you really want to provide value with your blog, spell out the ways that people can quickly determine the quality of their ideas and strategies. How do you do it?
Regards,
Dan
Hey Alex,
I am delighted to be the first to post a comment on this timely and inspirational story! I have heard it before of course but it never loses it’s impact!
As you know we’re embarking on a very ambitious project right now (Mobile Banking)and a lot of people say it can’t be done. It’s always great to be reminded that the world’s most ingenious people historically overcame a tremndous amount of adversity on their path to success. My husband Pat has that same type of tenacity and always keeps me thinking outside of the box!
As a side note, I had just 1 minute earlier finsihsed a new post on my blog with one of the sub-themes being tenactiy. I even mentioned you in my post! As soon as I published it I checked my email and there was your invitation to view your post. (do do do do, do do do do – theme to Twilight Zone)!
Ok, so I posted on yours…please post on mine!
http://www.thepowerlineblog.com
And yes, keep more of these coming! I love it!
Peace Out!
~Power Gal :-)
Alex – Terrific. I knew Disney came from humble beginnings and made it big, but I didn’t know that he overcame two bankruptcy filings and eight nervous breakdowns.
We need this kind of inspiration right now!
What an inspirational post! I’m looking forward to more.
We can only imagine what Disney’s tenacious resolve and vision could have led to if he had completed his dream project – the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
Thanks for posting this one, Alex!
Alex, I’m old enugh to have seen the original Snow White, and, living in the southland, knew people in “the movie business.” My family was in the music end –and they thought Disney’s work was magnificent.
I’m glad you chose to blog this story. I think you told it compellingly.
Thanks for the reminder.
I happened to be at the computer when this came in. You chose one of my favorite people. I did not know about the nervous breakdowns tho. The article is a reasonable length, sweet, to the point, and leaves you wanting to learn more. Bravo for your achievement there– how do you spell… Scheherazade? The subject gives hope to those who feel on the brink of similar breakdown due to “life challenges”. Bravo there too!
Hi Alex,
I’ve known about you for many years and always followed what you are up to. For a number of years though I had to stop receiving information (overload)from a number of sources including yours. But I am now on a different track and looking forward to massive changes in my business and entrepreneurial lifewith BHAG! I welcome anything you put out there, and find it to be inspirational. So my only comments can be keep up the FANTASTIC work. Perhaps you should be nominated for a world entreprenuer award. Hey, there’as a thought for a smart cookie! Best wishes, regards, Nobby Kleinman
Hi Alex,
I could not agree more. Certainly, Walt Disney had his share of setbacks and disappointments and his tenacity kept him going. Personally, I attribute my success to my tenacity,
Great subject and very worthwhile!!
Keep up the great messages!
Disneyland opened the month after I was born. Disney had wanted to build it in Burbank, where I was born, but Los Angeles county refused. He went south to Orange County where they welcomed him with open arms.
As I read this story I thought of my experiences in building my online business. I have refused to listen to those who discouraged me, told me I had nothing to offer, and were not supportive of my endeavors.
Instead, I have been tanacious in my efforts, and am enjoying the success that comes along with it. I have chosen to only listen and do business with others who are positive, uplifting, and tenacious as well. I encourage anyone reading this do the same. Listen to your heart, refuse to give up, and you will succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
Walt Disney certainly is an inspiration. Although I know his story it is a great reminder that what my challenges are seem to be pretty insignificant when I measure against what he overcame. Thanks for a great reminder. I will begin tomorrow morning reminding myself that I am infact tenacious.
That’s right on, Alex. The winners in life have accumulated the most “NOs,” rejections, disappointments and failures.
Failing is not the problem, quitting is. Every great success story teaches the same thing over and over. Fail, learn. Fail, learn. Fail, learn. Fail, SUCCEED! Then do it again only bigger, on the succeed part, that is.
Keep ‘em coming!
Tom Justin
Uncle Walt was quite a guy. Genius is most often ridiculed. Of course, if it is successful, then everybody was with you all along.
I love Walt’s final quote above.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The Walt Disney story not only is extremely inspirational-I am writing this with tears in my eyes, but also tells me something about the strength of your spirit Alex. Nevertheless, I can see that in my Financial situation right now, while all around me seem to fail, I GOT A GLIMPSE IN MY SELF AND I CAN SEE QUITE A LOT OF WALT DISNEY IN ME. I was depressed for a long time, but thanks to you and few other mentors, I will say that my dreams are alive again. I cannot wait to see my dreams of success, financial independence and the respect of my family and friends materialize, but more importantly the spiritual freedom and sharing it with others.
What a terrific post Alex–dedicated to a great & tenacious creative mind! I heartily subscribe to the notion that tenacity is THE essential quality required for success and typically maintain that ‘Perseverance is Key!’ however your pointer to the definitive adjective/noun tenacity is kewl. I like it & think ‘Tenacity Spotlight’ is an excellent idea. Bravo.
Hi Alex, me again.
At my age (56)I am catching up with the technology the younger people have. The reason is that I have focussed on financial planning for the last 20 years,and only needed to rely on a computer. As there are no kids in our home, the latest technology usually centres around flat screen tv and video recorder. So now I am out to look at portable recording and playback, such as ipods. As I am flat out working on my new venture, I would love the opportunity to listen to your blogs on the move. Do you have them available so that they can be downloaded for later? Regards, Nobby
The other thing that Disney had in spades besides tenacity was veracity. You could trust Disney, as a boomer growing up in the 50’s and 60’s the Wonderful World of Disney and indeed his many movies were seen by all as a right of passage for kids. What other reason could there be for today’s children and grandchildren still enjoying the fruit of Walt’s work. Who doesn’t know Mickey, the enduring brand ?
Inspiring Alex, thanks. I love the quote on the end. And I agree, tenacity is a challenge in this age of “instant gratification”. Good lessons.
And since you’re asking for candid, I appreciate getting an inpsiring email from you that isn’t trying to sell me the latest and greatest Internet Marketing program. Keep em coming.
Not very interesting. Walt Disney may be an American hero but he’s not mine
Alex,
The worst losers in the world are quitters, and Walt Disney just make a perfect case to show that we should never give up.
Never, never, ever give up.
Yes, it is true, we need to try to find the best balance in our lives, but sometimes, when you believe in a dream that no one else can see, what would be the meaning of our lives if we don’t give our best shot to be the best we can be, especially when we know what we’re doing is right for the world we live in.
I like what you’re up to with this new series of blog post. This “Tenacity Spotlight” as you call it couldn’t start with a better personality than Walt Disney.
He is certainly a great model to learn from and I am sure they will help us remember to keep going through no matter what.
Thanks for making this possible Alex, and you can have a resounding YES! from me and a big thumbs up to keep writing this high quality blog posts.
You’re the best Alex, keep going through! =)
Sincerely,
Peter Palatnik
Hey Alex, I love your new blog series and I can’t think of anyone better to salute than Walt Disney. In the Customer Service field there are very few who can approach the Disney Company in the way that they select, train and empower their cast members to provide superior service.
I just finished listening to the audio book biography “Walt Disney: The Triumph of The American Imagination” by Neal Gabler from Audible.com and highly recommend it. If you want to learn more about the power of tenacity I also recommend the book and PBS series “They Made America” by Harold Evans. Thanks again Alex for the dose of inspiration and keep up the good work!
Alex, I love this. It is just what I needed to see. Sometimes I feel down because I’ve hit a frustrating place creating a product or encountered some discouraging feedback. After reading your post, how can I complain. I haven’t even had one nervous breakdown! It’s good to know how important the quality of tenacity is and I appreciate that your article has helped to instill some tenacity in me. Please keep these posts coming. Sincerely, Carol Chapman
Alex, thank you! As I end my day contemplating the last 41 hours with only 2 hours of sleep to move forward my new business and be a contribution to the world, I end with your email. I realize that insanity may just be in the eye of the beholder who can’t understand why one would give up so much in order to bring love, light, laughter, peace, beauty, and care to others. Thank you for this story that provides me the feedom to move forward despite what others might see as insane. Please consider continuing this series to inspire those like me that want to create a better world for all and are willing to do what it takes no matter what anyone says. I am ending my successful 41 hours moved, touched and inspied. Thank you!!!
Great story Alex! Thanks so much for sharing! It’s stories like this one, or Abraham Lincoln, or Thomas Edison, that really motivate us to push forward. When you fall on your face, just jump up, dust yourself off, LEARN from your mistakes, and continue on your path to success. The Walt Disney story really hits home if you have people in your life that try to discourage you from following your dreams. Thanks again for reminding us what we can accomplish if we keep following our dream! Best regards to you and your family!
Alex, thanks for starting this series. “Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.” …and TENACITY is the tool -the courage- to realize our dreams and help change the world. Bravo.
Great blog post Alex! Keep them coming. It is very inspiring to be reminded of great, tenacious souls of Light…and what a difference they make in this world and in our lives.
I think it’s a very good idea. It’s informative and will make for a good series to anyone who reads it. There are many ways to learn, being able to read someone’s history to see where they came from and where they’ve gone or are going is inspirational.
I look forward to more and even posted it on my Facebook for my friends to review.
Hi Alex,
I have always admired Walt Disney for his vision and the fact that he never gave up on his dream. Even when times got really tough, his tenacity pulled him through. I never knew that he made 8 million when movie tickets were twenty-five cents.
I appreciate you alex, for giving us this fine example of tenacity for all of us entrepreneurs. The next time I may doubt my vision or start to give up on my dreams I will just say the words “Walt Disney” and smile and know that if He can do it, so can I!
Jason Manwill
I love reading about people and how they started and succeeded in their companies, in spite of what others thought. I liked reading about Disney, after all he is an icon, not only in our generation, but generations to come. Now, that’s a legacy. Good job, Joel!
Whoops, I meant, good job, Alex!
Wow! That was an amazing story about Walt Disney! I heard he did file for bankrupcy once but not twice and I had no idea about his nervous breakdowns! What an awesome man for all his dedication to make his dream come true! Just think of what we would be missing if he gave up! Thank you so much for sharing the story of Walt. If he could only see what has been developed in his name? Maybe he does….
Hi Alex,
This is Kathi McKnight, The Handwriting Expert (literally, that is my website, http://www.TheHandwritingExpert.com. You’ll see the reason I’m saying this in a second…
First off, I really enjoyed your share about the FAQ template idea and the more I read of your blog the more deeply interested and impassionated I got over your marketing ideas. You seem to have a wealth of information around marketing and I am inspired and will be following up with that.
I wanted to add a thought about your excerpt about Walt Disney. I googled for his handwriting and after reading your article was expecting to find many indications of tenacity and persistency. However, what I actually found were indicators (over and over again) of a man who is a great **initiator** His handwriting reveals one who takes the initiative on new ideas. It is revealed in the letter t. Instead of crossing it across the t stem, he comes up from the baseline and makes a v-like structure. It is a very specific stroke, and a happy thing to find in ones handwriting. It shows up often in his handwriting.
I believe his persistency and tenacity supported him in his efforts to be a world class initiator of new things. anyone can actually build that into their own handwriting to support them in taking more initiative in their own entrepreneurial ventures.
Thanks for your delicious thoughts of inspiration and giving us many usable and valuable marketing tools.
All the best,
Kathi McKnight
Well, Alex,
You asked the wrong guy about Walt Disney.
(1) Walt didn’t first draw Mortimer/Mickey. Ub Iwerks did. As one of several proposals to replace Oswald. I’m not so sure Roy laughed at the idea, either, though the first Mickey cartoons were turned down by distributors as unmarketable. (Test audiences loved them, however.)
(2) The three little pigs? Well, kinda. Certainly Snow White. And Disneyland. Roy figured that after a year or two they’d turn it over to someone else to run.
(3) Tenacity? Absolutely. But you can’t really nail down a single attribute. Add: His ability to tell a story… and to craft a story over a series of story meetings. And his ability to understand mainstream American tastes and values. (That was something his competitors in Hollywood didn’t have.) And even “tenacity” might better be described as a willingness to risk in the face of opposition.
It’s also a fact that Walt did not pursue many of his ideas, unable to convince Roy of their merit. (Besides, he had so many ideas he couldn’t do them all.) And not every idea worked; many failed. (The circus at Disneyland comes instantly to mind. It was quickly removed. And the Autopia cars… in Walt’s vision, young drivers would learn to drive responsibly. Instead, they treated them as bumper cars and by the end of each day no cars would be running. Finally, the ride was reengineered with a guiding track to keep everyone in line.)
(4) I would argue that Disneyland was Walt’s “crowning achievement.” Snow White brought a relatively short period of success. The movie business was a roller coaster ride. Disneyland was more of a “continuity program.” It brought return visitors and an ongoing stream of new visitors, promoted through his ongoing use of television. Only after a few years running Disneyland did Walt feel the company had reached a stable success.
The idea of your blog posts is a good one… I’m not sure I’d restrict it to tenacity. But there are lots of great role models we can look at for positive values. Walt was a good choice!
Magical greetings,
Rich
Rich Hamilton, a Disney “outsider,” examined
Disney theme park management and
discovered Disney success secrets.
Find Rich’s Books at http://MagicStrategy.com
Alex-
I really enjoyed reading your post. Not only did I learn a few new things, it reminded me of something I just recently heard for a 2nd time on the same subject.
I first read this in Bob Boylan’s “Get Everyone In Your Boat Rowing In The Same Direction”
I Want 10,000 Fireflies Over There!
I actually heard this story again a few months ago when I was a volunteer crew member working for Anthony Robbins’ Unleash The Power Within event in L.A.
One of the gentleman that works for Robbins Research, Jerry Yang, used to work in the planning department at Disney.
Jerry spent some time with the crew for the L.A. event and was telling us all a story about Walt Disney’s tenacity that has lived on over the years in the Disney company.
Something he said that the full team at Disney lived by on a daily basis. It is all about “Creating The Disney Experience”.
Years ago when Disney World in Florida was being created, Walt Disney was walking through the uncompleted park with a group of the Management team over seeing construction.
While they were walking along Walt stopped and pointed to certain area over a pond and said, “I want 10,000 Fireflies over there!
His construction manager simply responded “when?”
The point Jerry Yang was trying to make here when telling us this story was that the construction supervisor asked only “When” not “Where in the world will I possibly find 10,000 fireflies” or “Won’t 5000 fireflies do?”
This construction manager knew that when Walt Disney wanted something, there was no other option than to just “Make It Happen”, no matter how far out or impossible it may seem.
Jerry passed this story on to us of how nothing less than perfection would work when it came to providing that famous “Disney Experience” that millions every year now enjoy every time they watch a Disney movie, or visit any Disney Theme Park.
It is a good lesson we can all learn from when thinking about the products we will develop or the kind of experience we want our customers to have every time they come in contact with our companies regardless of if it is before, during, or after the sale.
If we all had even 1/10th of the kind of tenacity that you have told us about here today in your post about Walt Disney, the success we could all enjoy in business and in life would be truly be taken to a new level.
Thank you for the great post!
Jeremy Burns
Great Article! I have just launched a new guitar company-and right now it’s all about tenacity! We have a great product-I just have to get it out there. Funny, I was in my weekly business meeting with my real estate firm, Netter Real Estate, and we were discussing the fact the the KEY element to success is TENACITY!!! It seems to have been the theme of my day. :) Thank You! I really enjoy your weekly blogs and newsletters, as I am a subscriber.
Thanks Alex!
Great post, Alex. I love “success against all odds” kinds of stories and would welcome many more from the Tenacity Spotlight.
I found it interesting that Disney had eight nervous breakdowns. I have my own home-bases business and I have had three (one lasted two years). July 2008 I decided to give up my business of 13 years and be a housewife. Maybe I should rethink that deision.
Hi Alex
I enjoyed this post because of its inspirational message that whatever barriers were put in Walt Disney’s way he kept on going – even through 8 nervous breakdowns. There is also a wonderful NLP technique, which is known as the Walt Disney Strategy, based on the way Walt Disney used to come up with new ideas. He used to ask people to wear 3 different hats and sit in different rooms, which were designed accordingly. The first was the dreamer where people could come up with all sorts of ideas, no matter how unrealistic they might first appear and no criticism was allowed. Next the same people would then then take on the role of realist in a different room where they could brainstorm all the aspects which might or might not work. And lastly, the role of critic, where the practicalities could be thrashed out. It’s a technique which is great for businesses of all sizes today as it helps new ideas to emerge, which might otherwise never see the light of day. After reading your post on Walt Disney, I can see why the technique worked so well.
Is your plan to write similar posts on inspirational people, or focus on different character traits and the people that show them well? Either way, I’ll enjoy reading them and thank you.
This is a very inspiring piece of work!
I have always liked Disney and never get tired of reading about him when the information is available. He was a great person. Living proof that if you believe in yourself, don’t let anyone get you down and keep smiling no matter how bad it gets it will get better..
thanks for the blog.. :)
Rocki
Hi Alex,
I think it is really good to be reminded of Disney’s story. And there are many others like him. And sooo many experts were sooo wrong.
On the other hand there are also uncounted people who tenaciously followed a goal or dream and ended in misery.
Goes to show: The opposite of a great truth is also a great truth (don’t remember who coined this phenomenal phrase).
Still – far too many great deeds remain undone because people give up too early – or never even get started. This is probably true for most of us.
Best regards from Germany
Detlev Tesch
international speaker, trainer and coach
Energy Psychology, Public Speaking
http://www.webtesch.de
Once somebody said to me that when I get going on something I am like a dog with a bone. I just don’t let it go…focused intention over time = tenacity and even when you you achieve the desired results , some off the doubters still doubt….
I will just remember Walt Disney whenever I come across the doubters.
George
This is great! I love Disney. I used to have this kind of determination and drive. But, I just lost it some where. I am working on getting it back and this article really gives me inspiration. Thanks, Alex!
I have always loved the word “tenacity” – and what a great story you have told us here about someone we grew up with as a household name – Walt Disney!
Many is the Sunday night we couldn’t wait to see if the feature on TV would animated or not!
It’s quite enlightening to hear more of the details of what Walt went through to achieve his dreams and overcame! And 5 million must have been an outrageous amount back in the day – as if it’s not that now!
Keep these coming – very inspiring to keep on keeping on!
er ah, how about, “Many WERE the Sunday nights…”
(a little too hasty to hit “submit”!)
I’m not old enouth to remember the mid 40’s Walt Disney, but I am old enough to remember the weekly lead in cameo speech at the beginning of the Wonderful World of Disney. It was during this time that he told us about his plans for Disneyworld in Orlando Fl. My parents thought he was crazy and that there was no way he could possible succeed, but he proved everyone wrong. Tenacity is one quality that he posessed, but he also had great faith in his vision.
Great stuff Alex. Agreed tenacity is the stuff of genius. So how do whimpy mere mortals cultivate that sort of tenacity when trying to achieve their own goals? What causes some people to give up and others to persue more doggedly given the same feedback? Please tell me you can be tenacious about a goal without suffering one or multiple nervous breakdowns!
I agree. Persistence can be more important than education, talent and even genius. The world is full of educated failures. It’s common to meet unsuccessful people who have talent. I’ve met many smart people who never really figure out the game of life. Determination is the trump card you always want to play. -Michael Angelo Caruso, http://www.EdisonHouse.com
Hi, Alex,
The concept is great. If the spotlight doesn’t shine on women, also, my interest will ‘fly away’ fast.
Always a fan,
Marnie
Awesome, Alex – What a great message. My jaw actually dropped when I read that Walt suffered his THIRD nervous breakdown during the trials of getting “Snow White” produced.
Amazing… Why didn’t he stop? Why didn’t he give up?
It was his vision, his dream… The reason the dream is there is so that we DON’T give up. Yet so many people — most, in fact — turn away from their dreams, and settle for a mediocre life.
Maybe if Walt had known exactly what he would have to go through, he WOULD have given up.
Heh… I’m reminded of the story of the 3 servants who were each given a different amount of “talents” (interesting word) by their Master to go and invest. Two of the servants invest successfully; the other chooses to bury the money he was given, to protect it.
When the servants return to the Master, He is pleased with the two who have invested with varying degrees of success. The Master admonishes the servant who, in fear and ignorance BURIED HIS TALENTS, and punishes him.
What a sad thing it is to waste the gifts we are given. And the road is never easy, whatever path we choose. Right? Isn’t that true? So if life is rough, you may as well make the journey worthwhile by heading in the direction The Dream points.
On June 13 of this year, after 18+ years in Corporate America, I walked away from the steady paycheck and great health benefits, and am putting all my energy into my dream — the one that has been coming more and more into focus my whole life (45 years thus far), and that is to have a global positive impact on the art and skill of Acting.
And I have a wife and 4 kids along with me. [double gulp]
An actor and director myself, I founded The Empowered Actor Initiative (www.EmpoweredActor.com) in 2006 as the funnel through which to share my knowledge and expertise, and UNDERSTANDING, of getting to the heart and guts of a character… of tapping into yourSelf to get to and maintain the HONESTY in performance.
And I love it. Of course! “When you discover and do what you love to do, you will not have to work another day in your life.” Badly paraphrased, and I don’t remember who said it.
Supporting actors in their quest for truth in acting is like Miracle Grow for me. I love the challenge of the audition — auditioning is something I so enjoy coaching — because I UNDERSTAND it… The challenge is communicating it in a highly impactful way to the individual actor. That’s the part I love as well, for every actor is an individual, so each carries his own set of personal demons. Anyway, I digress…
But I cannot deny the Dream. It is there for a reason. [sigh]… I hope that nervous breakdowns are not in my future, but who knows… I must keep going. I must persevere with “persistent determination, stubborn perseverance and unrelenting doggedness.”
Thanks, Alex: Great words and great timing. The severance package I’m riding on is dwindling, so I am listening and focusing with my head, heart and soul — and the three don’t seem to always see eye-to-eye.
Plus it’s not always easy to distinguish the wisdom of the Inner Voice with that other voice who says “You Can’t” — The Actor calls it the Inner Critic… and he’s always there. There are ways to quiet and disregard that voice, but it’s not easy. Usually the wiser Voice is quieter.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Alex — been reading your stuff and listening to you quite a bit recently.
Here’s to Your Continued Empowerment!
–Tom
Change the way you Think
Change the way you Act
http://www.EmpoweredActor.com
Thank you so much for this blog post. It is quite inspiring, and comes at an important time for me, “The Year of Bamboo.”
I have one question: did you type this yourself, or talk it out and have someone else transcribe it and put the links in?
Thanks again for the inspiration.
Dr. Andrew Colyer
Wow, I’m an entrepreneur and this reminds me to keep going, to believe in my dreams of being succesful with my ideas.
It’s a good reminder to read about what this great man went through, particularly in moment of doubts.
Thanks
Thanks. Timely reminder that persistence and determination are omnipotent. (Including remaining “present” with your own inner inspiration.)
I remember another illustration of tenacity… a case study used in my Graduate Business School. As I recall it, the Founder of Hershey’s Chocolate went bankrupt about seven times before he got the company off the ground. The rest is his-story.
Well Alex –
As usual, you hit the nail on the head, your insight is right on. This was great!
Like most things, the old tried and true stuff really keeps working.
Keep this kind of stuff coming.
Diane Conklin
Keep these blogs coming Alex. Walt Disney was an inspiration to us all. We need to be reminded on a constant basis that in the face of adversity, there is a silver lining if we pursue our dreams.
I feel inspired today…time to get to it.
Great post Alex. Thank you. Disney truly was a risk taker who believed in his core principals regardless of his naysayers and critics. It would be interesting to discover his mentors.
… Replying from my iPhone.
Tony D. Baker
I liked your post on Tenacity Spotlight and I have always known that tenacity is a very important ingredient of success. It was nice to be reminded and it was also instructive to learn of the tremendous challenges Walt disney faced and overcame -truly inspiring-.
Barrington
http://iNetWise.googlepages.com
Yes, Alex! I love this topic you are calling tenacity. To me, the most powerful aspect of what you are offering here is the reminder to follow your heart regardless of the opinions of others.
I encounter this junction frequently because many of my offerings are “off the beaten track.”
And so I appreciate all encouragement to stay true to my inspiration even when some of the things I do, like remote inner alignment sessions (YOFA jhe Sessions), might seem strange to some folks.
I like to think of this type of tenacity less as “stubborn” or “relentless” and more as continuously following the tune of inspiration.
Thanks Alex!
This is great. Love it. Keep it going.
Great inspirational story. Looks like I’m only 6 nervous breakdowns away from being a millionaire! :)
God Bless – Ken
Alex,
Thank you so much for this post on tenacity. Disney’s dreams became reality. It is encouraging to see what a man/person can accomplish with that level of determination. As far as the breakdowns could one say that inspite of his health he continued with his dreams or was the stress of what he took on that aggravated his condition? Its possible that he was predisposed to his diagnosis and it may have been his tenacity that helped him recover and become the genious he was.
Hi Alex,
I like the concept and enjoyed reading about a tenacious person. I really dislike the format with so much advertising (especially the moving arrows).
You also said “if you like the blog, please give me your feedback”, so it seems you really don’t want any negative feedback. I do get so many emails from you that I am starting to delete some before even reading them.
Pam
Love this kind of biography and spotlight. Please keep it coming so that we can all get more inspiration for improving and bettering our lives in spite of the odds, whatever they may be.
At the opening of EPCOT, a reporter asked Walt’s son if he thought his Dad would regret not seeing the opening of EPCOT. He responded to the reporter – I feel so sorry for you. After all I would find having to report on the past all the time must be so depressing. You see my Dad did see it, if he didn’t, we wouldn’t be here today.
Vision first, such a compelling future must be seen unless we will not get there.
Thanks for the story.
David
Al-
After reading most of the comments and esp those re: “thinking outside the box”, it occurs that this intention actually concerns mush more philosophical Ideas as follows:
Re: the Congressional hearing on the fratricidal ‘murder’ of Pat Tillman, the distruction of physical evidence (burning of Tillman’s gloves, clothes, notebook, etc.) without a signing-off by a medical physician when his uniform was cut off and the paddle mark bruises indicate an attempt at recussitation 90 minutes following his head being blown away along with the P4 cover-up of the truth up to the time of the presentation of the Silver Star by the current Administration and the worst part= the comment made to Ms Tillman by a leader of the armed forces after the truth came out about “how do you (Ms Tillman) feel that her son is now worm dirt [for not being a 'born again Christian'])” as if to judgementally deny her son access to “heaven” due to his choice of beliefs tends to point more to the fact of the overall denial and misinterpretation of the Book of Thomas and the true story of the Apocalypse of Jesus the Annointed according to the Vision of Peter (Jesus did NOT “suffer and die” because he was out-of-body the entire time) as that entire Legend is given in the Nag Hammadi.
Therefore nothing like deicide and ritualistic canabalism can be deemed a requirement to be born again as a true Christian. Similarly, looking for the common denominator between all religions could only be more Christian than denying the spiritual rights of others since that is the reason this country was founded.
If this country continues to operate in this fashion according to lies and half truths while murdering innocently those who would choose selflessly to protect Her it cannot come to a good ending for our children and their children. History is our proof of this fact.
Respectfully,
Davi
Hi Alex,
Your “Tenacity Spotlight” is a winner and I can’t think of a better lead than Walt Disney. Thanks for a quick in-depth (and inspiring) look into his life and success. Yes, tenacity is even more important than mere talent. The vision and “why” give us more energy behind tenacity. So there is always a synergy of energy going on too.
Ever the teacher and ever the entrepreneur that you are, Alex, I am not surprised at any new endeavor you bring to the marketplace. Your new Spotlight column is valuable to us all.
Thank you and keep them coming.
My Best, Tara
Alex,
You teach to always give our website. I thought it would be seen with my first post. So here it is to be seen now. Thanks again, Tara
http://www.BestCardMarketing.com
Great Stuff Alex!
Your Feedback: I believe people learn best to short, meaningful stories. Your post accomplishes that – I know I am ready to hear more – I hope you continue teaching in this way.
I also believe Walt Disney was able to continue to be so tenacious because he had the gift of being able to compartmentalize his creativity, the critics, and “realist/real inner knowing”. This strategy gave him the strength to be really tenacious!
Dear Alex,
Please, please continue these inspirational posts. And thank you for starting with one of my personal heroes.
I have admired Walt Disney since I was a child. Even though I’m now getting up in years, I have the advantage of wonderful memories from THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB and the special memory of attending the Grand Opening of Disneyland in Anaheim (poodle skirt and all). LOL!
Though I think Walt would not have approved of some of the directions taken by the company he founded, he definitely overcame obstacles (emotional and financial) to achieve everything he accomplished.
Just one point: In addition to his tenacity, he was receptive to valid and creative ideas. His original mouse (later to become Micky) was actually unattractive and scary looking. Fortunately, Walt (like Michelangelo), was receptive to ideas that could better his creations. He redrew Micky to be the lovable fella we all love – and the rest is history!
Thank you for the info. Alex.
Never mind tenacity, Walt Disney must have had nerves of steel – near bankruptcy, nervous breakdowns, heavens…
I don’t have an excuse not to be super successful now:-)
Nicely done, Alex. I can see that you’ve done your research on this one. I would love to hear more on this type of topics. Very informative and within your site’s theme.
Thanks for sharing!
-Jeff
Great pick, Alex…and nice format. I especially resonate with the last paragraph. Walt Disney was a great man.
Great job, as always.
-Robert Gould
http://www.bigguybooks.com
Alex-
Walt Disney is a hero and an inspiration especially to a mom of 4 girls (Princesses!)
It is really nice to see fun information that leads to nothing more than that. I like that you choose such an icon and related it to the the need for “tenacity”.
As a marketing mom sometimes tenacity is all I have left trying to juggle being a parent and an entrepreneur.
Often, as a work at home mom building my Online businesses, others don’t understand the concepts of Internet Marketing and when things get tough the advice is always to get back to the real world and get a “real job”.
Thankfully, I too have a tenacious nature and a stubborn perservance. The challenge of succeeding when others say it just won’t work provides it’s own essence of motivation.
If this series is a form of soft sell marketing, (Listened to the Jeff Herring teleseminar on this–highly recommend it) then go for it!
You’ve got ‘know, like and trust’ down to a science but it’s great to see it in action!
Thanks!
Tina Williams
http://www.GetBeyondTheWarmMarket.com
htt://www.NewRichMarketingStrategies.com
You e-mailed me and asked me to comment – sorry, but this is such a standard “pepp talk” – “Hey son! Get back out there!” was all you needed to have typed.
Thanks, Alex, for posting this. I believe that it was not simply ‘tenacity’ that brought about Mr. Disney’s success. It was a deeper meaning to that word. An annoying friend with a ‘business opportunity’ can be tenacious – to little avail. I believe that Mr. Disney was ‘diligent’, ‘determined’ and that his tenacity was guided by a deep desire to positively impact his world – not simply to ‘win’ but to create a legacy.
I thought so much of it I posted it on my Facebook site. Great article! Great inspirational story! Thanks.
Alex, two words describe your recent Walt Disney post… Perfectly Eloquent.
Paul Schubert
Alex,
I always enjoy readiung your posts because I know your heart is in them. Thanks for the series, I know it will be great. I’ll keep my eyes open for the next article. I wonder who you’ll profile next?
Alex,
Perhaps the greatness of Walt Disney is reflected in the message he produced through his work, what we all want, a future and a hope.
Tenacity. Does tenacity exist in the working form without personal belief in one’s work regardless of the opinions of those close to us, and apart from us? I believe the two must be intertwined as heart and hand. The heart of personal belief; the beat of that heart pounding in one’s ears as it sustains life and the hand of tenacity hard at work presenting the truth of the heart to all who will listen and see, forever turning the stones and looking beneath the rubble of life, reaching out in eagerness, with boundless energy, grasping the knob of the door to eternity and flinging it open to step into the future, and beyond, to history.
Tenacity? From the heart to the hand. And success? Presenting the right product to the right market at the right time in the right way for the right price for the right reason.
Thanx Alex.
Chuck Norlin
http://www.thebestdealofyourlife.com
Great post Alex! There is so much to be learned from Disney, from his vision and tenacity to how his vision was carried on.
Thanks for bringing the focus to such an important lesson.
http://www.truthaboutmortgagerates.com
http://www.askyourmortgagemeltdownquestion.com http://www.aymmq.com
Hello Alex,
Very good idea and excellent comments and also very educational. I our days tenacity is primordial, I think the essence lies in “communication”…because of the time lack we all live in only new ways of communication can lead to success. And Walt Disney checked this long ago – pictures, fun, video, films. They can be remembered better than articles.
All the best
Marius
Dear Alex:
It was inspiring to learn more about Walt. Especially liked his early life. i.e. how he began using art in a barren, post-war time, to enliven a transport vehicle. Also loved how he picked himself up after an initial financial (though not artistic) failure, and with very little resources continued his journey to becoming one of the most beloved artists for children and those of us who refuse to be grown up at least when we go to Disney World/Land or watch one of his cartoon classics. Helen T.
Have you ever been to the Walt Disney office tour at Disneyland. I read that Mr Disney makes a bit of a speech for the visitors that includes his advice for young people: “fail early and often” or something to that effect. This is the message of tenacity. Risk is essential to dreams coming to life and those who risk will fail, but that is not a reason to quit, it is as Thomas Edison said, “Now we know another way Not to make an electric light”
Alex, this was a very important reminder for those of us trying to work around the ‘gloom and doom’ folks. I just read a brief article about small business saving the economy in July. Check out my blog and read about it. I also quoted you in the same article. Perfect timing. As always, you’re on top of things and always inspiring!
Walt Disney is one of the best! And Alex is right! The reason why most people become successful is because they are persistent, they persevere!
Any person who ever became successful never had great success in the beginning. And no person has never had only success.
Look at the most successful people from the past, Abraham Lincoln is a great example, and people from our present day including Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, John McCain, and many others. You must stick with your plan and have passion for creating the results that you deserve!
With Passion!
Brett J. Gillilan
http://www.thelawofattractiongroup.wordpress.com
http://www.thelawofattractiongroup.com
As soon as I wipe the tears away from my eyes I will continue my response….
Okay, much better…WOW!!!
Incredible, I have always looked up and appreciated Walt’s courage and tenacity. I learned alot in this article about someone I already felt I knew alot about.
Thank you Alex, I look forward to the next post!
Dolan
Hi, Alex,
Excellent Post, the longest time I’ve ever spent on a Blog…
I’ve always loved Disney movies and now I can see why…they were made with great LOVE for people, adults and children alike; by the heart of a man who believed in his dreams.
Tears filled my eyes when I read about the guilt Walt suffered over the accidental death of his mother. I too, have carried much guilt over some things I’m ashamed of…I now truly see that NOTHING should stop me from doing what I believe the Lord has called me to do.
So many times people like us are told, “Why don’t you get a real job.” Imagine if Walt Disney had listened….and quit “playing”. The whole world would be losing out.
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
I will begin again today……
Blessings in all you do,
Interntet Marketing Champion,
Dolly Lutz
SEE YOU AT THE TOP
http://www.havewealth4ever.com
Hi Alex!
Great, please, continue with this series. I “love” those kind of posts and they are very motivational. Life is about materializing your very own visions, your dreams,… isn’t it.
Let’s follow personalities like Walt Disney.
Before I close I want to add other visionaries of the 70’s.
* George Lucas built his “Empire Of Dreams”
* ‘Purple Rain’ Prince achieved his artistic independence
And I guess I should add another fellow, we all know:
* Steve Jobs – The ‘Apple Mac Man’
Lots of inspiration and pigheaded discipline and determination.
Yours
John
I really like reading about successful people. It proves what can be done by the ordinary person to share with the world an extraordinary life.
Linda Hampton
Great post Alex! I especially liked that last paragraph. Who hasn’t been deterred by those who ‘Know what’s best’ for someone else, only if they had the tenacity to act anyway.
Who’s next?!
Walt is my hero! As a kid growing up in the early days of television, little did I know how great he really was, but I never missed his movies or tv shows, and I was a loyal “mouseketeer” rushing home from school to watch Annette Funicello and Spin and Marty. But later I found out what a genius he really was. All the major cartoonists of modern times went to his school of animation (Hanna-Barbara etc)AND he always knew what was the best way to get what he wanted. For instance, the big coffee-table sized biography about him with all the pictures etc is the most inspirational account of a sheer creative artist and genius ever! When the new television networks approached him to do a tv show, he held out until they agreed to back his “hair-brained crazy scheme” called “DISNEYLAND” and boy did they think he would fail at that!
thanks for the Walt Disney memories, but rather than the “determination” I think it really was that he was a genius way ahead of the artists of his time and he knew it.
“Realization” is the word to use here not ‘determination’ it was not that he was stubborn, it was that he saw a vision within him that he knew how to create–without his creative vision and faith in it, he would never have been successful with just determination.
I think he was the greatest ARTIST of the 20th century!
Neriah
Thanks Alex,
No matter where you are with your business or personal life we all need to be ‘inspired’ by success.
I often read this famous quote by Calvin Coolidge in my seminars:
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Best regards,
Mario
Alex -
Thanks for the inspiration — I know I’ll think of your post every time I’m tempted to throw in the towel.
Jane Trevaskis
nice article.
Alex,
Imagine what this world would be like if Walt had not of possessed such a phenomenal trait. Many peoples creativity is eventually smothered because the lack the tenacity to continue despite outward appearances.
Thanks for a wonderful post.
Rick
I am a professional speaker on land. What fascinates me about Walt Disney is how he went to FL and purchased a large tract of land. The story goes that In the early 1960’s, Walt and a team of Imagineers, including his brother Roy and General Joe Potter embarked on a super-secret endeavor, known simply as “Project X” to scour the nation in search for a new location for a second theme park. First and foremost, they were looking for a lots of land… cheap! Second they wanted it to be near a major city, with good weather and great highways and infrastructure. Reportedly, when Walt’s plane crossed over the intersection of I-4 and Route 192 in Florida, he knew he found his spot.
But how does Walt Disney go and buy up thousands of acres of land without the landowners holding out for exorbitant prices? Walt Disney set up dozens of “dummy” corporations, with names like “M.T. Lott” (get it? Empty Lot?), to purchase seemingly worthless parcels of land ranging from swampland to cattle pastures. When Walt Disney purchased the land, it was nothing more than a desolate swampland, scrub forests, and groves. In order to transform this area into the number one vacation destination in the world, massive amounts of Earth had to be moved. Additionally, since much of central Florida is essentially “floating” on a body of water, a daunting challenge presented itself. Disney had to transform this land, while balancing the needs of the environment and ecology of the area. If any part of the water supply was damaged or deleted, it would have caused a massive ecological imbalance to the region.
The entire land purchase is made up of 47 square miles of land…. or about 30,000 acres. Only about 1100 acres of that land is devoted to the 4 theme parks. In fact, with only 7,100 acres developed, there’s quite a lot of room for expansion!
With amazing vision and tenacity Disney made his dream a reality. It all started with land.
As a long-time Disney fan — and a “tenacity master” — I appreciate your message. A great book kept in easy reach at our offices is “How To Be Like Walt: Capturing the Disney Magic Every Day of Your Life”.
Another amazing tenacity leader is W. Mitchell, who I had the pleasure of meeting during my time working for Tony Robbins. This reminds me to add our audio-story about his life back to our Web site or blog. We’ll do so in the week ahead for anyone who wants to listen in — it’s a powerful story that gives me chills everytime I hear it or tell it.
Your overall blog page is also a great model for how to effectively blogcast! Thanks for sharing it.
It’s 2 AM here and time to turn in. Sweet dreams to all — and, remember, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” (Eleanor Roosevelt).
Marcia Elder
http://www.Creative-Pursuits.com
This information has come at the right time for me.
Persistence and Determination are things that I can
do I dont have to have the IQ of a genius.
At present I have the financial challenge of a lifetime, feeling that I have bitten off more than
I can chew.
The article on Disney has given me the extra direction that is needed, and the other articles
above mine just add so much to that.
All I have to do is stay on track stay focussed
and dont give up
And remind myself that when the student is ready
the teacher will appear, I can draw people and answers to me if I keep on keeping on
Great article, Alex.
Such articles are very encouraging case studies for those of us who are embarking on something new. Definitely the lesson I shall take with me is to not give up and not listen to naysayers.
“Those who can do, those who can’t, consult” – I’m paraphrasing here.
A group of us have TENACITY also since we will be fulfilling the last vision of the late Walt Disney. We are going to be building the REAL EPCOT which will be a one mile wide domed city! Keep tuned in!
When I grow up I want to be just like Mr. Disney…..Walt and not so much his brother.
Alex your tenacity to always leave your students with the impression of increase is fantastic. Thank you for sharing this, I will read every addition of the Tenacity Spotlight if you decide to launch. This is fantastic!
Kernal Sanders: his story would make a great Tenacity spotlight. If you have your assistant email me I will even do the research for you! Thanks again Alex for sharing your gifts with us.
wow! Just now seeing your request/post Alex! As you/ your offerings are phenomenal could you consider a special/exclusive/specific e-mail posting for some ’special followers’ that may just be able to offer their opinion on a very regular and prompt basis? What do you think- Alex? A wonderful post with ‘Tenacity’-CBlair
Thank for your MP3 download which I listen to almost daily about building my internet business. I think we should persistent in doing thing without fail to the extend that even the whole world is against us. We should have a mind of our own so that nobody could trick us to think the way they wanted us to fail. Have faith in God, almighty and harvest your fruit in loving service all of the time. Regards.
Hello Alex, Yes please do share inspirational stories about people who demonstrated tenacity and creative passion in their work.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and research on Mr.Disney. He is clearly a man who left a rich legacy for the rest of us to enjoy.
Thank you,
Shawn
Hi, Alex,
I really like this sort of article, this topic. I’m 61 and still committed to making my mark on the world. I figure that with life expectancy approaching 100 year, I have 40 more productive years ahead of me. And I now have a lifetime of experience combined with a growing interest in working with customers, my style, over the old school approach of controlling, manipulating, and pushing.
I find it motivational and inspirational to read about people who kept going after numerous failures or near failures. In fact, I would like to see some stories about people like Col. Sanders who made it big after he turned 60.
I love your podcasts and articles. Thanks!
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