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The Try: Reclaiming the American Dream
What is it that separates the doers, leaders, and success stories among us from the dreamers, also-rans, and wannabes? To bestselling author James P. Owen, it’s all about having The Try— the quality of giving 110 percent to the task or challenge at hand.
In The Try—a dozen true stories of ordinary people who’ve done extraordinary things across varied fields of endeavor—Owen reveals The Try as a character trait that can be forged in several ways. Some of those profiled are driven by a childhood dream or longheld ambition. Others are fueled by someone else’s belief in them, an unwavering belief in themselves, or the urge to pit themselves against daunting odds. Still others find The Try in a life-changing moment when they hit rock bottom or come face-to-face with failure.
What all high achievers have in common, Owen believes, is a blend of inner drive, focus, and determination that pushes them to pursue their goals relentlessly, confronting every obstacle, and never, ever giving up. His insightful profiles bring to life new scientific evidence that effort trumps ability. In other words, how much you can achieve depends not on how smart or talented you may be, but instead on the quality of your efforts and how much you try. Owen provides inspiration that will strike a chord with anyone who has a lofty goal, a deep personal ambition, or a major challenge to face. By connecting the dots in this collection of stories, he also delivers practical “how to” advice for those who want to cultivate The Try in themselves, or to encourage someone else on the road to realizing his or her full potential. Owen’s “If you’ve got The Try, anything is possible. All it takes…is all you’ve got.”
In The Try—a dozen true stories of ordinary people who’ve done extraordinary things across varied fields of endeavor—Owen reveals The Try as a character trait that can be forged in several ways. Some of those profiled are driven by a childhood dream or longheld ambition. Others are fueled by someone else’s belief in them, an unwavering belief in themselves, or the urge to pit themselves against daunting odds. Still others find The Try in a life-changing moment when they hit rock bottom or come face-to-face with failure.
What all high achievers have in common, Owen believes, is a blend of inner drive, focus, and determination that pushes them to pursue their goals relentlessly, confronting every obstacle, and never, ever giving up. His insightful profiles bring to life new scientific evidence that effort trumps ability. In other words, how much you can achieve depends not on how smart or talented you may be, but instead on the quality of your efforts and how much you try. Owen provides inspiration that will strike a chord with anyone who has a lofty goal, a deep personal ambition, or a major challenge to face. By connecting the dots in this collection of stories, he also delivers practical “how to” advice for those who want to cultivate The Try in themselves, or to encourage someone else on the road to realizing his or her full potential. Owen’s “If you’ve got The Try, anything is possible. All it takes…is all you’ve got.”
- GenresSelf Help
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
James P. Owen
18 books7 followersAfter a successful 35-year Wall Street career, James P. Owen found new purpose in being an author, inspirational speaker, and social entrepreneur. His book, Cowboy Ethics, a best-seller with more than 150,000 copies in circulation, and two follow-up volumes, Cowboy Values and The Try, shine a light on the importance of shared values and personal character in our society.
Now Jim is propelled by a new mission: showing older adults how to get and stay in shape. His latest book, Just Move! A New Approach to Fitness after 50 (National Geographic), was inspired by his personal journey of transformation. As a 70-year-old “couch potato,” Jim resolved to do whatever it took to become fit and ease his chronic back pain. Seven years later, he is in better shape than he was in his twenties, and has become a passionate evangelist for fitness as a way of life. In his speaking engagements, he reminds audiences that being in shape helps older adults stay mobile, active, and independent, enabling a quality of life no amount of money can buy. Jim lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Stanya.
Now Jim is propelled by a new mission: showing older adults how to get and stay in shape. His latest book, Just Move! A New Approach to Fitness after 50 (National Geographic), was inspired by his personal journey of transformation. As a 70-year-old “couch potato,” Jim resolved to do whatever it took to become fit and ease his chronic back pain. Seven years later, he is in better shape than he was in his twenties, and has become a passionate evangelist for fitness as a way of life. In his speaking engagements, he reminds audiences that being in shape helps older adults stay mobile, active, and independent, enabling a quality of life no amount of money can buy. Jim lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Stanya.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 29, 2011
This book is composed of twelve pretty brief synopses of successful people and their outlooks on life - not a lot of substance, but inspirational nonetheless. A bit over-priced for the content.
January 18, 2017
The first book for our American Agri-Women book club. A great book of motivation, esp when it followed up a fantastic presentation by author James P Owen at our National Convention. It really speaks to those from rural America who understands Cowboy ethics and culture. Even if you aren't part of that culture I think you will get a lot out of it. You'll learn for instance what drives Ty Murray the "King of the Cowboys."
What is the Try? "In standard English usage, 'try' is a verb that means 'to make an attempt.' But in cowboy culture, the word is a noun invested with profound meaning. When Cowboys say, 'That cow hand, he's got try,' they're talking about the quality of giving something every ounce of effort you can muster..."
"What makes things happen is putting effort behind your ideas, actions behind your words, and intention behind your dreams. That's what having The Try is all about."
What is the Try? "In standard English usage, 'try' is a verb that means 'to make an attempt.' But in cowboy culture, the word is a noun invested with profound meaning. When Cowboys say, 'That cow hand, he's got try,' they're talking about the quality of giving something every ounce of effort you can muster..."
"What makes things happen is putting effort behind your ideas, actions behind your words, and intention behind your dreams. That's what having The Try is all about."
September 8, 2014
Good read, great book to have in a guest room on a night table. Short biographical stories of amazing people exhibiting "the try", giving their all to achieve a goal. They each show remarkable character of courage, resiliency, etc. Very inspiring.
November 30, 2011
Inspirational stories of people who gave their all to accomplish their goals.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews