In 1957 a ten-year-old boy in California set a goal. At the time Jim Brown was the greatest  running back ever to play pro football and this tall, skinny boy wanted his autograph.  In order to accomplish his goal, the young boy had to overcome some obstacles.

He grew up in the ghetto, where he never got enough to eat.  Malnutrition took its roll, and a disease called rickets forced him to wear steel splints to support his skinny, bowed-out legs.  He had no money to buy a ticket to get into the game, so he waited patiently near the locker room until the game ended and Jim Brown left the field.  He politely asked Brown for his autograph.  As Brown signed, the boy explained, "Mr. Brown, I have your picture on my wall, I know you hold all the records. You're my idol."

Brown smiled and began to leave, but the young boy wasn't finished.  He proclaimed, "Mr. Brown, one day I'm going to break every record you hold" Brown was impressed and asked, "What is your name, son?" The boy replied, "Orenthal James. My friends call me O.J."

O.J. Simpson went on to break all but three of the rushing records held by Jim Brown before injuries shortened his football career.  Goal setting is the strongest force for human motivation.  Set a goal and make it come true.

~Dan Clark

Chicken Soup for the Soul