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Secrets for Success and Happiness

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It's safe to say that world-famous speaker and author Og Mandino has as many friends as any man alive, thanks to his inspiring motivational lectures and his bestselling books. This new book is a special gift to all his friends, old and new, a book they may cherish above all the rest. SECRETS FOR SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS is Og's beautifully written journal, an intimate record of his innermost thoughts and feelings, the heartwarming events of his day-to-day life.
Whether he's writing in his old New Hampshire farmhouse on a snowy winter day or in a hotel room just about anywhere in the country; whether he's refilling the bird feeder, comforting a sick friend, racing to catch a plane, or planting his tomatoes; Og weaves his secrets of success into the fabric of his life and the pages of this book. He shares anecdotes, both sad and funny, and his feelings about his fan mail and the people he meets. And when trouble comes to him, he shares that, too.
Living with Og and listening to his thoughts as the rich days unfold, we once again find the sheer joy of wondering what tomorrow will bring, and the courage never to look back on yesterday.

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1985

37 people are currently reading
400 people want to read

About the author

Og Mandino

263 books899 followers
Augustine "Og" Mandino II (December 12, 1923 – September 3, 1996) was an American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. He was the president of Success Unlimited magazine until 1976 and is an inductee of the National Speakers Association's Hall Of Fame.

Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.

Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.

After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.

Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.

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5 stars
100 (43%)
4 stars
61 (26%)
3 stars
57 (24%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
145 reviews24 followers
March 16, 2023
Not like his other books--but some great gems about living are distilled within the pages.
"The older I get and the longer I live--I have learned the only way to conquer life is to live each day with all,
the love gusto and gratitude we can muster" Og Mandino

Og tackles drug addiction, depression, alcoholism, theft, and other ills of society,
he contrasts these problems with walks in Nature, the woods, and the water and clouds in the Sky.

A space of quiet amidst the backdrop of the storms of life.....Peaceful reflections.


"True Joy is serene, the seat of it is within, and there is no cheerfulness like the resolution of a brave mind " Seneca
151 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2019
"Lack of willpower has ruined more lives, destroyed more careers, and brought anguish and tears to more families than the lack of any other asset or quality, even including the lack of wealth and ambition."

At first this book seemed a disappointment, reading someone's 3 year journal isn't my kind of read. After the first few chapters I changed my mind. In this book you have the daily thoughts amd reflections of one of the most successful authors of his time in the world.

It was enlightening to see he wrestled with many of the same things as everyone else despite his massive success. Getting annoyed at stupid things, wondering what will happen with all the bad news events in the world, complaining about national debt and, most consistently, showing that he was always trying to be grateful for what he had.

Og had an incredible path in life starting as a WW2 bomber pilot, the full list of highlights is the last picture on here. Wherever you think you are, you can still be more successful, he didn't receive his first big break until the age of 45.

"I wonder how many birds die in cages believing that the cages ceiling is the real sky?"
Profile Image for John Stevens.
53 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2009
This was the first book I was given to read when I began my 20 year career in executive search.

I marveled as the philosophy depicted here is in line with what is known as the law of tithing, found in the last chapter of Malachi in the Old Testament of the King James Bible.

It seems that nearly every successful sales professional I've known has learned for themselves that giving away part of their income and blessings, to those who need it, will increase your successes many fold.

After a successful career built upon such a philosophy I cannot help but to recommend this to every professional and entrepreneur.
Profile Image for LeeTravelGoddess.
904 reviews60 followers
October 30, 2019
OK, first of all I was like who in the heyall is an Og but something prompted me to get the book anyway & I’m glad I did! Who knew he was an Army Officer??? Like WTEF, I almost missed my blessing for today by not getting the book but I mean, WHAT a beautiful story of triumph!!

Never give up people!!!

Now I have to read his salesman book. This is for sure a tops 💚💚💚!!!
Profile Image for Janani Iyer.
35 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2012
I love Og mandino and his writings. But I am not that crazy that I would like to know his everyday life events. I found the title misleading. They could have said Og's Journal. Will not recommend this to anyone
Profile Image for MJ.
17 reviews
October 28, 2015
A journal, of sorts, describing the acts of how Og Mandino arrived at his conclusions through the conversations he held with himself. It's a trip alongside a great man by version of a mouse in his pocket. It's a great journey that allows you time to stop and ponder the philosophies.
10 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2012
I really liked this one. I read a lot and this was really rewarding for me.
I would highly recommend any of Og's books!
Profile Image for John.
1,184 reviews12 followers
April 13, 2018
It's...his journal (for about 3 years, 4 months, 6 days). What a life, though. Interesting thoughts from an interesting person.
Profile Image for Artyom.
54 reviews13 followers
November 2, 2023
This book was written before most of today’s self-help and success literature we read today. And for its time it must be quite remarkable and progressive read. Anyway, for some reason I didn’t like it. It is a journal of successful man (and he really is!) but I don’t see any “secrets” here. He worked hard and was lucky enough to gain his popularity and money. Good for him, though nothing useful for me. Maybe just not my kind of thing
Profile Image for Mirka Popov.
109 reviews7 followers
March 30, 2024
Iz nekog razloga čitanje mi se jako odužilo, a knjiga nema ni 300 strana… Dosta toga se ponavljalo samo malo drugačije formulisano i mislim da sam zbog toga i izgubila želju i pola poglavlja preskočila. Ima lepih saveta, al nekako imam utisak da sam to sve već znala, nisam nešto raspamećena. Solidne 3⭐️
Profile Image for Shauna Thompson.
279 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2016
Good thoughts to remind us to enjoy and live in each day and thank God for the Gift of Life.
Profile Image for Rob.
1,417 reviews
July 22, 2016
Great stories and ideas for success.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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