Inspiring People Who Overcame Adversity

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Picked up an inspiring little book in a Little Free Library today, "Real Lives:  Incredible Successes," by Lyn Coutts.  It's just what I needed to remember what it takes to change the world for the better.  From Oprah Winfrey to Steve Jobs to J.K. Rowling – each individual came from a rocky start in life yet managed to find their own way and achieve success.

Be inspired.  As Walt Disney said, "If you can dream, you can do it." 

Pay Yourself What You are Worth

As more and more women take the leap from Corporate America to starting their own businesses, one of the key factors to ensure the leap goes well is to focus on having confidence.  Many women doubt themselves and their abilities.  Sometimes it just takes a couple of good pals around you to say "you can do it!" The next thing you know, you you can!

Another challenge for women who start businesses is determining what you should be paid.  Don't skimp.  If the money is there, take it, do good work, and be proud.  Here's what a SCORE volunteer mentor says:  

Simply put, women need to be paid what they are worth. A lot of times women feel like that they can’t charge enough. However, in order to be successful in business and remain profitable, a shift in thinking — and a boost in confidence — is necessary.

Read more about what is available to women-owned businesses and what is necessary to succeed in business ownership.

Photo courtesy:  Hust Wilson on Unsplash

Bet On the Business, Not on Your Life

There are challenges on the road to business success.

We’ve all heard stories like this. Maybe you have a friend who started a business and went into serious debt like me [Chad Boyda]. Or an uncle who let his business destroy his marriage. Or a ruined friendship after a partnership didn’t work out.

In the article below, Chad shows you what he learned about starting a business the hard way, and how you can do it without experiencing the same hardships he did. He covers four key points:

1. Proven techniques to come up with great business ideas
2. How to validate your business ideas before spending a dime
3. Four ways to scale your business with maximum return and lowest risk
4. How to NOT fail in business

Read more ...