The Success of Failure.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/02/05/starbucks.saved.my.life/index.html

Michael Gates Gill was earning a six-figure salary as a successful advertising executive who had companies like Ford and Christian Dior as his clients. Five years ago, the company decided that after 26 years it was time to part ways. He was invited to breakfast where he was told that he made too much money and that someone younger would be willing to work for less.

He left in a state of shock, literally crying as he exited the building. All of his future dreams lay shattered. His consulting company would fail a year later. His wife would divorce him. He was even diagnosed with a brain tumor.

One day on a trip to get his daily dose of caffeine at a Starbucks, he was approached by a manager who asked Michael if he'd consider working for them. He automatically said "Yes". Several years later, he still has a part-time job but he's busy trying to lift himself up. He lives in an attic apartment instead high-rise condo or McMansion. But his take? "When I lost my job I thought my life was over. I didn't realize that it was just the beginning." He adds "I may have a part-time job but I have a full-time life."

I consider this to be profound. I also remember something that Bill Gates once said. "A job at McDonald's is an opportunity."

Michael has written a book, "How Starbucks Saved My Life", which is now a New York Times bestseller. Tom Hanks wants to produce and star in a movie based on the book. Gus Van Sant has already signed on to direct.

Now all of this you could have gotten out of the article I hotlinked at the top of this rant. So how does this apply to us in America?

First: Michael is not living on government assistance. He may be receiving assistance, but he is working his way out of it. Between his book, the movie and his plans of hitting the lecture circuit as a motivational speaker, it looks like he will once again be able to afford that Ferrari and be off of government assistance.

Second: Michael never gave up. While that breakfast 5 years ago marked the end of his career as an advertising executive, it did not mark the end of his life. It did require a major adjustment to his life. Although not documented, I'm quite sure he had to sell his expensive home, his luxury car and many if not all of the finer material things of life. As J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote in Lord of the Rings, "One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters."

Third: He looked at Starbucks as an opportunity, not an embarrassment. More Americans need to look at life this way.