We rarely find examples of constant persistence for success, like those of Abraham Lincoln. If anyone wants the inspiration of how many efforts a human can make, here’s his life sketch.

Born in poverty, he had to face defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business, suffered nervous breakdown and was bedridden for six months. He could have quit many times, but he didn’t quit and became one of the greatest presidents in America.

Here is a sketch of Lincoln’s road to White House

His family was forced out of their home AND He had to work to support them

His mother died

Failed in business

Ran for State legislature –lost

Also lost his job-wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.

Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year

He was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.

Ran for state legislature again—won

Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken

Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months

Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.

Sought to become elector – defeated

Ran for Congress –lost

Ran for Congress again – this time he won-went to Washington and did a good job

Ran for re-election to Congress-lost

Sought the job of land officer in his home state-rejected

Ran for Senate of the United States-lost

Sought the Vice Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – got less than 100 votes

Ran for U.S. Senate again- again he lost *

Elected President of the United States.

The part was worn and slippery. My foot slipped from under me, knocking the other out of the way, but I recovered and said to myself," It’s a slip and not a fall". Abraham Lincoln –After losing a senate race-1858

One who never fails, but learns, succeeds finally.

Gift of Life Home (Table of Contents)

Previous Chapter: 11. Should We Take Risk Or Not? (Those who refuse to risk, do not grow.)

Next Chapter: 13. The Gift Of Love (There is no possession anyone can hold)

Please visit our Inspirational Articles archive for hundreds more of inspirational stories and articles.

Gift of Life is a compilation of stories, anecdotes and articles by Raju Baby Thaluvachira, India

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