I was originally supposed to publish this on 1/1/10. However, in WordPress my blog software, I managed to publish on 1/01/09. Therefore, it got lost in a pile of old posts. It’s a little late, but still relevant.
In the early 1900′s, Russell Conwell had the idea to start an affordable college. He had one problem, he didn’t have the money.
That didn’t stop Conwell. He went on to raise the money himself, by delivering the same speech over 6,000 times.
The speech was titled Acres of Diamonds and in it was a true story that went something like this….
An African farmer heard stories of men who made their riches prospecting for diamonds. The farmer decided to sell his farm and join the others prospecting for diamonds.
The farmer spent the rest of his short life prospecting for diamonds, never with any success. With nothing to show for his years of work, the farmer ended up committing suicide.
Meanwhile, back at the farm, which the now dead farmer once sold, there was a small stream. One day, the man who bought the farm found a stone in a stream on the property. He didn’t know exactly what it was, but it was nice looking enough that he placed it on his mantle.
Soon after placing that stone on the mantle, a visitor saw it and was in shock. Immediately, asking the man if he knew what he had found.
That stone sitting on the mantle happened to be the largest diamond ever discovered. Better yet, the stream on his farm was filled with similar stones. Turns out, it was the most productive diamond mind in all of Africa.
The moral of the story is pretty easy to see – opportunity, wealth, happiness… whatever you want is right in your own backyard.
You are standing in your own acres of diamond. You just need the patience and persistence to keep searching your own backyard.
Take Action
In what area of your life are there acres of diamonds waiting to be found?
Learn more about your present line of work, read biographies of people who have done what you want to do, find a better way to do something you do each day.
Russell Conwell was able to build Temple University with his Acres of Diamonds speech.
What can you start to build in 2010?
{ 2 comments }
Neat! I have never seen this story on a blog before! Thanks for sharing.
I think it has so many powerful meanings for us.
.-= George´s last blog ..Connecting with Favorite Authors through the Internet =-.
Thanks George. I first heard the story listening to Earl Nightengale’s Lead the Field. Highly recommend!
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