The Secret Word — Chapter 1 in Aspire
“If I have no other qualities I can succeed with love alone. Without it I will fail though I possess all the knowledge and skills fo the world. I will greet this day with love in my heart.” —Og Mandino
Below is the a life changing excerpt from Kevin Hall’s first chapter to Aspire:
In my first chapter of Aspire, I reveal The Secret Word. Here’s a sneak peak into how this fateful discovery was made when I met a shopkeeper in Vienna:
The shopkeeper’s eyes widened at the mention of the name of the famed Viennese psychiatrist Holocaust survivor, and author of Man’s Search for Meaning. “I knew Viktor. He was a great and noble man,” Pravin said with admiration, at which point he reached beneath the front counter and produced a large leather guest book. “Viktor, like many others who have passed through Vienna, signed this Book of Greats.”
He leaned forward as he opened the book and placed it on top of the counter directly in front of me and said, “Kevin, you are one of the greats. Will you sign my book?”
I looked at the names on the pages. There was Dr. Frankl, and Mother Teresa, and members of Mahatma Gandhi’s family. This man just met me, I thought. I felt unworthy of signing his book. Certainly my name didn’t belong alongside such distinguished company.
After pausing for what seemed an eternity, I responded, “I appreciate the compliment and your thoughtful gesture, but I do not believe that I am one of the greats. I’m sorry, but I can’t sign your book.”
Pravin came around the counter and placed his hand on my shoulder. “I have a word I wish to teach you,” he said, “Would you be so kind as to join me for dinner?”
Without waiting for my reply, he led me out of the front door, where the cold air was a chilly reminder that growth and discovery are often accompanied by a degree or two of discomfort.
…
Pravin spoke about his early years. “I grew up in Calcutta,” he began, “among the poorest of the poor. Through education and hard work my family was able to break the shackles of poverty.” After a pause, he resumed.
“My mother taught me many great things. One of the most important was the meaning of an ancient Hindi word.”
That brought me to the edge of my chair.
“In the West you might call this charity,” Pravin went on. “But I think you’ll find this word has a deeper meaning.”
What word could have more depth than charity? I thought.
Speaking deliberately, almost reverently, he continued as if he were revealing a sacred secret.
The word is… ________.
For those of you who have read Aspire, do you remember The Secret Word? If you haven’t, we won’t spoil it for you.
Read more in Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words