(Credit: freepik)
Though it may sound cliche, for many people, success is just around the corner, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. These nine well-known people—from literary greats to Hollywood stars—overcame rejection, adversity, and hardship to encourage us to keep going no matter how difficult things become.
- The author J.K. Rowling
Before becoming the best-selling author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling had to overcome tremendous obstacles. She wrote her debut book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, in a tiny Edinburgh café after getting divorced, raising a child by herself, and living on welfare. Rowling’s work was adored by the CEO’s 8-year-old daughter, who helped her land a job at Bloomsbury after it had been turned down by numerous publishers.
Second, Stephen King
Stephen King, the best-selling author, did not have an easy beginning either. King and his spouse were in financial hardship and had to work several jobs to maintain their family while residing in a trailer. King’s breakthrough came with Carrie, following the acquisition of over sixty rejection slips. Although the book didn’t sell well at first, he was able to launch his career with a six-figure agreement after it was published in paperback.
- The Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey has a rather unglamorous ascent to fame. His father was laid off at the age of 14, and the family moved into a van. To support them, Carrey worked after school. He relocated to Los Angeles after failing his first comedy performance at the age of fifteen. He sent himself a $10 million check for “acting services rendered,” which he later collected when Dumb and Dumber became a smash. - Tyler Philips
Tyler Perry’s debut play was a terrible disaster that lasted only one weekend, following a tough childhood and numerous personal challenges. Despite being penniless, he persisted. When his program eventually became successful six years later, Perry’s career took off, and in 2011 Forbes labeled him the highest-paid man in entertainment.
Fifth, Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker had a difficult childhood due to financial difficulties since she was raised in a large, impoverished family. However, her mother supported her kids’ passion for the arts, and at the age of eleven, Parker was eventually chosen for a Broadway production, which launched her career as the star of Sex and the City.
Colonel Harland Sanders, sixth
Before refining his fried chicken recipe in his 40s, Colonel Sanders, the well-known face of KFC, endured numerous occupations and tribulations. Sanders journeyed across the nation despite encountering over 1,000 rejections after his business failed and he was left penniless, until he eventually found success.
- Just Shania Twain
When Twain was eight years old, she started doing bar gigs to support her family. Her music career was put on hold to care for her siblings after she sadly lost both of her parents in a car accident. Upon reaching adulthood, Twain relocated to Nashville and began a career that catapulted her to fame in the country music industry.
Emily Blunt, eighth
Throughout her early years, Emily Blunt struggled with a severe stammer that made communication challenging. She eventually found her voice and her future profession, though, after an instructor advised her to attempt acting and utilize accents to get over her stammer. With her Golden Globe victory, Blunt is now a well-known actress.
Oprah Winfrey, 9.
Oprah has had an extraordinary journey. Despite facing a difficult upbringing that included sexual assault and adolescent pregnancy, she triumphed over all obstacles to emerge as one of the most powerful women globally. Winfrey broke down barriers in the industry and built her own business thanks to her tenacity and drive.
These tales demonstrate that success is achievable with willpower and tenacity, even in the face of insurmountable obstacles.
