Les Brown, a renowned motivational speaker, teacher and author, shares snippets of his own journey to success through anecdotes and impactful statements in this brief but memorable compilation video.

For Brown, life has been full of difficult experiences. He was born into poverty, adopted by a caring but struggling single mom, and damaged emotionally during his early years of education by teachers who were unwilling to invest in him academically.

However, his path would change directions when he met his mentor, Mike Williams.

Williams challenged Les to find the greatness within himself and embark on an exciting journey into broadcast radio. Although he struggled to establish himself, he was able to find some success on-air. He moved into politics and finally landed as an inspirational speaker and speaker-trainer, as well as a multi-book author.

Brown endured a variety of challenging times in his life, including being diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, losing his best friend to illness while waiting for a liver transplant, the death of his mother, and the divorce from his wife. But one thing Brown reinforced repeatedly as being the reason he was still here today, quoting Robert Schuller: “Tough times don’t last; tough people do.”

Brown uses Scripture throughout his speaking to remind listeners that each person was “created with a purpose and for a purpose.” He says, “You have greatness in you!” One way Brown encourages his listeners to visualize their dreams is to write down Matthew 7:7-8 on a 3×5 index card, and hold the vision of their dreams, while giving thanks for it as if it were already accomplished.

In closing, he chirps, “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!” His contagious laughter and glittering smile encourage and inspire any viewer to consider his inspirational suggestions. This message is Dove-approved for All Ages.

The Dove Take:

Through poignant and humorous snippets, Les Brown teaches his viewers that although life can be rough, each person can “become an active force in his own life.” God has a purpose for each person, if he is only willing to see it – and seize it!