Why should you read success stories?

When you first start making changes in your life, your motivation levels are at their peak.

This stage is often called the “honeymoon phase.” Everything feels exciting, your commitment is strong, and progress comes quickly.

But as time passes, progress slows down and motivation drops.

There are many reasons for this: unexpected setbacks, lack of immediate results, or simply the fading of initial excitement.

It’s important to remember that motivation is not a permanent state. It naturally fluctuates. That’s why, if you want steady progress and faster results, you must build resilience and learn how to bounce back during periods of low drive.

One of the best ways to recharge when you feel discouraged is to read the stories of people who succeeded, often against all odds.

But first, let me ask you a question:

When you hear about someone’s success, do you automatically assume it came easy to them, or that they were simply lucky?

Most of the time, we only see the end result, not the struggles, failures, or years of effort that led there. And when you only see the end result, it’s easy to get discouraged when you encounter your first setbacks.

That’s why it’s so valuable to read not just any success story, but especially those of people who:

• Found success LATER in life, or
• Persevered despite huge setbacks.

Here are some stories that remind us that success is possible for anyone who refuses to quit.

Today’s story is the one of Colonel Sanders – the inspiring man behind Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), one of the most famous fast-food chains in the world.

Who is “Colonel” Sanders?

Harland David Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, was born on September 9, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana, USA.

His early life was marked by hardship and challenges.

His father died when he was just 5 year old. He had a difficult relationship with his stepfather, and by the age of 10, he was already taking on various jobs to help support his family.

At the age of 16, Sanders left home and began working as a farmhand.

Over the years, he held various jobs, including a streetcar conductor, railroad worker, and even a lawyer’s assistant.

But he struggled to find stability and went through a series of failed ventures, including operating a service station and running a ferryboat company.

It wasn’t until 1930, at the age of 40, that he found his calling in the culinary world.

He rented a small gas station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he began serving meals to hungry travelers. At first, the menu included dishes like country ham and steak, but Sanders devoted himself to perfecting the art of fried chicken.

The meals quickly gained popularity, and Sanders expanded his gas station into a restaurant called “Sanders Court & Café.” His reputation as a cook grew so much that in 1935, Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon awarded him the honorary title of “Colonel” in recognition of his contributions to local cuisine.

By July 1940, at the age of 50, Sanders had finalised his “Secret Recipe” for fried chicken in a pressure fryer.

But then came World War II. Rationing hit his business hard, and customer numbers dropped, yet Sanders refused to give up.

In 1952, at 62, after years of refining his recipe of 11 herbs and spices, he franchised his fried chicken concept under the name “Kentucky Fried Chicken” (KFC).

The franchise model took off.

Sanders personally traveled across the U.S., signing up franchise owners and promoting his chicken with relentless passion.

By the early 1960s, KFC had become one of the most recognizable fast-food brands in America.

In 1964, at the age of 73, Sanders sold the company for $2 million (around $14 million today) to a group of investors.

Even after the sale, he remained KFC’s spokesperson and appeared in countless marketing campaigns.

Colonel Sanders’ image, with his distinctive white suit, black string tie, and goatee, became not just the face of KFC, but an icon of American culture and entrepreneurial persistence.

How Did Colonel Sanders Become So Successful?

Colonel Sanders is a classic example of someone who achieved extraordinary success later in life.

What set him apart was his persistence.

Before founding KFC, Sanders endured multiple failures: a failed law career, a failed ferry boat company, and a string of unsuccessful restaurants.

Yet, despite these challenges, he never gave up on his dreams and continued to pursue his passion for cooking.

He was also creative.

Through countless experiments, he perfected a unique cooking method and developed his famous blend of 11 herbs and spices. This “Original Recipe” became the cornerstone of KFC’s global success.

Colonel Sanders had charisma. (Read more about charisma here).

He traveled extensively, promoting his brand and establishing personal connections with franchisees and customers. His iconic image as the face of KFC further contributed to the brand’s recognition and popularity.

He understood the importance of having connections and especially strategic partnerships.

He collaborated with other entrepreneurs and investors who helped him expand the brand and establish KFC’s presence.

Success is not something you are born with.

Colonel Sander’s story is a proof that success is something you create. Anyone can achieve great things if they commit fully to their vision and refuse to quit.

If you want to know the exact technique to turn any dream into reality, I’ve put together a method that can guide you step by step.

Found this inspiring?

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