Executive Toughness: The Mental-Training Program to Increase Your Leadership Performance

CHAPTER 9Relentless Solution Focus

The Ultimate Measure of Mental Toughness

Jack Canfield refuses to give up or give in. You may even call him relentless. In the fall of 1991, Jack had just cowritten a book. Unfortunately, every major publishing house he met with told him that “short stories don’t sell.” After the compilation was rejected by more than 30 publishers, Jack’s agent apologized and suggested that he give up trying to get a book contract.

Undeterred, Jack relentlessly focused on the next possible solution. He created “pledge to buy” forms that he had friends, family, and attendees of his speeches sign. He then jetted off to Anaheim, California, to the American Booksellers Association convention. Armed with pledges promising sales of ...