John H. Johnson
Pioneer, Entrepreneur, Author and Philanthropist

Famous Quotes by Mr. Johnson

Failure is a word I don't accept.
John H. Johnson

To succeed, one must be creative and persistent.
John H. Johnson

All have disappointments, all have times when it isn't worthwhile.
John H. Johnson

Rags to Riches; The Amazing Story of John H. Johnson

Numerous Wealth Creators have arisen from the extreme bottom of the barrel to achieve greatness. Johnson was one such man. In his best selling book, “Succeeding Against the Odds,” Johnson says, “I tell you, I know—I’ve been there and back. In 1942, my mother and I were recent graduates of the relief rolls. And I decided that I was never going down that road again-never. I was willing to go anywhere. I was willing to do anything, or almost anything, to get some of the good things of life.

At that time, our country was in racial turmoil. No one had any faith in John H. Johnson except his mother. Blacks couldn’t see how he could succeed and told him so. And most whites didn’t want him to succeed. Take note Wealth Creators; I have some bad news and some good news for you.

First the bad news; you may have no one to believe in you or in your vision. Before it’s over, you may be discouraged by professional grade critics, laughed at, taunted, mocked and ridiculed. Furthermore, some people may be literally crossing their fingers hoping for you to fail. News flash:

You are sentenced to succeed and destined to achieve!

Therefore, never give up, keep pushing and always bring your “A” game! If Wealth Creators listened to their dream debilitating coaches, we would have no aircraft, no cars, no skyscrapers, no boats, no light bulbs and no electricity. Your success is not contingent upon your antagonists. Like Johnson, you must develop the mental toughness to use their negativity as fuel to inspire you to greatness.

The good news is; if you don’t allow it, their opinion or negative perceptions will never alter your destiny. Quincy Jones put it best when he said:

"Not one drop of my self worth depends on your acceptance...."

Quincy Jones

Johnson decided that he was going to reach his goals regardless of his cynical nay Sayers. Instead of being derailed by his skeptics, he used their negativity to fuel to keep his vision burning. Says Johnson, “There’s an advantage in every disadvantage, and a gift in every problem. Wealth Creators, that’s called true positive thinking.

Don’t Get Mad, Get Even

Reflect Your Market

Go Against the Grain

How to Sell Anybody Anything

Communicate Success