What do you know about PT Barnum? Probably that he said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” So you know nothing about PT Barnum, because he never said that. One of his circus competitors said that while trying to explain the incredible success of PT Barnum. Ever notice how quickly we turn to criticism or flippancy when explaining a competitor’s success?

Turns out, PT Barnum treated his customers with the utmost respect. He offered up great wisdom in his book Art of Money Getting: or The Golden Rules for Making Money. If you want to get motivated with some great wisdom from the past that translates well today, study that book.

Here are a few insights that give you a taste of his writing:

• By introducing system into all your transactions, doing one thing at a time, always meeting appointments with punctuality, you find leisure for pastime and recreation.
• Be cautious and bold … you must exercise caution in laying your plans, but be bold in carrying them out.
• I have discovered the philosopher’s stone: pay as you go.

You may think that a book written in 1880 couldn’t help you greatly improve your life. I’ve found, though, that wisdom presented from a different era often shines more brightly. Take a few minutes to read and see if you aren’t motivated to read the entire book.

Write down the parts that connect to you and make a plan to get to where you are capable of going. Plan carefully and execute boldly. What is it you’re waiting for?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n97LoVg1kaQ