Paul J. Meyer 1928 – 2009
I lost a mentor and dear friend this morning.
The personal development industry lost a legend.
The world lost a truly wonderful human being.
At the youthful age of 81, our dear friend Mr. Paul J. Meyer passed on early this morning.
From the SUCCESS Legend feature in SUCCESS, June/July 2008:
Paul J. Meyer is considered one of the most influential people in the history of the personal-achievement industry. He is the No.1-selling author of personal-development materials in the world. He has sold more than $3 billion worth of materials translated into 24 languages in more than 60 countries. Just a single program—The Dynamics of Personal Motivation—has racked up more than $700 million in sales.
Paul started Success Motivation Institute 48 years ago. He was the first to condense self-improvement books and put them on reel-to-reel, later 12-inch LPs, then 8-track tapes, then cassettes and now CDs and DVDs. Paul has since written 28 full-length programs and courses on the subject of goal-setting, motivation, sales and leadership. If put into book form, all these programs would be equivalent to more than 100 books containing some of the most important and impacting personal-achievement material ever produced. W. Clement Stone, owner of SUCCESS magazine for several decades, said Paul J. Meyer took the personal-development industry from the reading age to the audio age.
Paul’s body of work has influenced the lives and teachings of many in the personal-development space including John C. Maxwell, best-selling author on leadership, who was a young man, recently married and still finding his feet as a pastor, when he first heard of him. “I have the highest regard for Paul J. Meyer and for what he stands for,” Maxwell says. “He helped open my eyes to the reality of living in the world of the possible, setting goals and taking giant steps toward my destiny. Paul J. Meyer doesn’t talk theory, he’s talking reality.”
Read the rest of this article HERE
Or in SUCCESS June/July 2008 digital edtion: HERE
Paul bought one of my companies back in 1999. Later I moved to Waco, TX for two years to help turn around one of his educational software companies. Through all of this Paul was an invaluable mentor and a treasured friend.
His greatest influence on me is not what he said or even from his material but the example of how he lived his life. He truly lived ‘off-stage’ as he represented ‘on-stage’. He was a prolific entrepreneur and mind-bogglingly productive individual which resulted in great wealth. At the same time he was an endlessly romantic husband, a dedicated father and grandfather and a generous philanthropist. He really did embody how we define ‘SUCCESS’ here at SUCCESS magazine.
Paul will be greatly missed but will live on through the lives he has transformed, inspired or enlightened over his 81 years of his contribution to humanity.
Did SMI (Success Motivation Institute) or Paul J. Meyer have an impact on you? If so, how?
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Comments
Darren,
Upon hearing this news I was greatly saddened by the passing of someone that mentored me as well many years ago. Yet my memories of him also came into play and it is with that spirit that I write this….
I first came to know Mr. Meyer back in the 80′s after buying into a “franchise” of SMI. I was all of 19 years old but filled with hope and great expectation for the new venture I was getting into. I had read about SMI in some magazine (maybe Success but that is not clear) and KNEW that I had to find a way to buy into that business. I talked to Mr. Myer and Ben Cooksy (who at that time headed up the “marketing” arm of SMI many times on the phone and each time I became more and more certain that this was something I had to do. At that time I had no money and no experience in sales or business and it was a long shot to say the least.
But something told me to continue on and not give up…so it was that the 13K needed to “buy” into the business came to me from my wonderful Grandmother. She had so much faith in me and my belief that I could be successful in this field….she has long since passed away but like Mr. Myer she taught me so much with her love and faith. Long story short…I bought into the business and rode a fast ship to success that year and the next 4 years as well becoming one of the top franchises at SMI. I paid my Grandmother back within one year and set the stage for the rest of my life as an entrepreneur.
During my time at SMI I was fortunate to attend monthly training meetings in Waco and to be able to have personal interaction with this legend of personal development and achievement and needless to say I count myself blessed beyond measure by that interaction to this day. His gift for teaching and love of people gave many of us the foundation and values we still have today. I will always remember him as someone that cared enough to give a young aspiring person constant positive reinforcement that “yes, you can achieve your highest dreams if you have faith and are willing to pay the price”. He showed me great faith and for that I am eternally grateful.
Paul..you will be missed but remembered fondly and with a smile… Thanks!
Rico Ramos
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Many months ago I sent Paul an email expressing a personal concern I had with a business he and I were both involved in. Although we were in the same company, he had never met me, and certainly didn’t know me from Adam, or Eve! I was shocked to find an email in my inbox the next morning from Paul J Meyer. It was a heartfelt, lengthy e-mail that effectively and efficiently addressed my concern. I was touched by his sincerity and resolved to always be one to touch the heart of an individual regardless of my busy-ness or stature.
The world is a better place because of Paul J. Meyer.
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Denise and Rico, thank you for your thoughtful comments. He was a good man who deserves our deepest respect.
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The 3 national sales leader titles I have accumulated on my resume came from my affiliation with SMI and LMI . Great tribute to an amazing person I will NEVER forget!
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I never had the honor of meeting him in person, but he has had a major impact on my life. Learned of Paul when I was recruited to work in an LMI franchise in Detroit in the late 60′s.
His Million Dollar Success plan and his course guided me ever since. Just recently took out those tapes and started listening to them again. They remain timeless. He became my mentor through the course and his writings.
He came to the forefront again when I was with a personal development company called TPN, and Paul became active in that company. He later bought out my upline so I once again became part of his organization.
While Paul may be gone, he will continue to influence my life through his works that he left behind. Thank you Paul J Meyer for all you have done. You certainly were a most positive influence and role model.
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One of the first personal deveolpment books that I read was Paul J Myers book, 24 Keys that Bring Complete Success. That was just three years ago. I have listened to so many of his tapes on Faith and one of my favorites is the recording of The Total Person.
While Paul was not an official religious leader, he was certainly one of Jesus’ disciples…I always thought of how he started each morning with an hour of prayer. He shared his Faith in such a personal way and I thank him for inspiring me to begin my journey in personal development.
Pre-Paid Legal Associates will miss him greatly. Thank you again for living and sharing a life extraordinaire.
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I am flooded with thoughts when thinking of the impact of Paul J. Meyer has had on my life. I could tell a hundred stories but perhaps what reminds me the most of Paul Meyer and what he represents is at bed time with my children.
My six and four year old by heart can share Paul’s affirmation “Whatever you ardently desire, sincerely believe, enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass”.
Every night that my children go to bed and share that affirmation with my wife and I. We talk about what it means and how to apply it and we are reminded of what leaving a legacy truly means. Paul Meyer helped me to dream bigger dreams and believe in myself. I am forever grateful to have known one of the greatest leaders ever. The impact that Paul has had on my life, has already had on my children and the impact they will have on others because of his wisdom. Paul Meyer was a giant among men and led the noblest of lives.
Patrick Shaw
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I was involved with the Success Motivation Institute in Calgary back in 1975. Repetition was one of Paul J. Meyer’s strong points and in our training we listened to the same 15 minute tape 5 days in a row before we went to the next one. It was amazing the new things we heard every time. Paul J. Meyer was one of the first and lasting influences in my early years of personal and business development. He will be missed greatly, but his powerful influence will live on to affect those who knew him and millions more.
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I had an SMI Distributorship and achieved the Fast Start Award using the prinicples that Paul J Meyer taught.
I continue to use his teachings in my daily life. I still (20 years later) refer to his writings as the greatest sales training and time management systems in the world.
A great leader who taught an ambitious young man that ‘Success is a Journey ….Not a Destination.’
Paul J Meyer thank you
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Back in 1979 I had taken the bold step into selling home and vehicle insurance here in Australia, after previously swearing I would never do that. My manager must have had some real concerns for me as he gave me a set of audio tapes by Paul J Meyer.
I had no idea who this amazing man was, but found the principles he taught simple and effective. Within a few months I became the most productive sales person in the company and set sales figures that were not bettered by others for over 20 years.
My subsequent achievements in sales and in business owe everything to my manager introducing me to the wisdom and methods of Paul J Meyer.
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i never forgot those words i heard last year on the success audio c.d.`if you can`t measure it you cannot manage it`this blew me away,then when Darren asked PAUL,`what were your fears?PAUL.J. replied `I NEVER HAD ANY! I ENTER EVERY DAY WITH OUT GIVING MENTAL RECOGNITION OF DEFEAT!`
i have played this c.d at least a hundred times.THIS INCREDIBLE MAN HAS CHANGED ME.IVE RECENTLY BOUGHT HIS CD`S,THEN I JUST FOUND HE PASSED AWAY-…,PAUL J MEYER I SALUTE YOU…,THANK YOU!
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I did not know Paul J Meyer died until this moment. I am disheartened. He was too young to die.
Just a few days ago, I was reading something, maybe from ‘The Answer’ by John Assaraf, or Joe Vitale’s ‘Attract Money Now!’, and was reminded of Paul’s ‘Million Dollar Personal Success Plan’. I have it on a standard size (8 1/2 x 11) sheet with gold and blue ‘frame’, dated 1962. Can you believe that? One sheet of paper that has lasted so long? A few years ago, I placed it in a vinyl stand up holder, and that day I thought about it, I pulled it out from an obscure spot and set it by my desk.
Now I find this odd… or intentional (since there are no coincidences.)
The world is a better place for Paul J. Meyer’s life. May he Rest in Peace.
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I met Paul J Meyer in Oct 2003 at Shangrila Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia. I believe I one of many blessed people that have been impacted by Paul J Meyer. Soon, I started my SMI program in June 2004 my life was totally changed. He fixed my Wheel of Life(r) and later I became SMI Direct Distributor in Indonesia, then now I am exclusive General Director for South East Asian. I m glad that I am in a business of changing people life and be with the greatest motivation company ever. I went to Waco 2 weeks ago and amazed how was celebrated. His legacy will never die. Glad Darren put up this blog for Paul J Meyer. Thanks and Selamat Jalan Mr. Meyer. TUHAN Memberkati.
Positively, Andy B Sutedja – http://www.smi-indonesia.com
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I met Paul J. Meyer in 1992.
He has encouraged me in my mission to help people in developing countries.
He has assisted me in reaching to the disadvantaged populace.
He has shared valuable material and information, enabling me reach the poor
Paul has been an inspiration to me in my work.
Whenever Paul and I met, he was always POSITIVE and POLITE.
Paul J. Meyer has blessed many on earth.
Thanks to P.J.M.
Cordially,
Sawak Sarju.
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I was just rereading parts of Paul J Meyer’s book 24 Keys That Bring Complete Success. The last chapter is entitled “How I Want to Be Remembered.”
I think it is appropriate that in our memory of Paul that we look at how he wanted to be remembered.
Paul wrote: “There is old saying that if you want to know how people will talk about you when you are gone, write your own epitaph now and then live that way!
What would your epitaph say? How do you want to be remembered?
Epitaphs are usually one-liners that capture the essence of a person’s life. Since there is no rule that prohibits having more than one epitaph, here are 13 epitaphs I would choose for myself:
1. He loved God first.
2. He loved his family and extended family
3. He loved his friends.
4. He was a giver.
5. He was an encourager.
6. He forgave
7. He kept his word.
8. He honored God with his life.
9. He always had a POSITIVE attitude.
10. He was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
11. He was a role model.
12. He contributed to his community.
13. He consistently helped others.”
I do believe Paul did live up to his epitaphs. I also believe that they are excellent ones to take for one self. I know I would certainly like to be remembered for those.
“…our goal is to accomplish God’s will and hear, ‘Well done good and faithful servant!’ (Matthew 25:21)”
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Paul J. Meyer
Charlie “Tremendous” Jones
Jim Rohn
In 2009 we lost some “Heavyweights” in the personal and professional development arena. Their lives impacted countless people, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Heaven just got even MORE positive with these positive thinkers!!!
Wes Clark
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If there is a man to be like ,and to call If I could be like him, yes he would be Paul J.Meyer..
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It has been about 4 months since the death of Paul J Meyer. I am still sadden that we have lost this personal development magnet. However, although he is not with us in flesh his spirit lives on.
I am reminded when he challenged himself to climb the highest mountain and defeat the best tennis player- when he was in I believe, his 70′s. What a man! I can still hear him say, “Attitude Is Everything!” That was his motto- attitude is everything, and it is.
He was a great mentor, leader and roll model. May Paul J Meyer RIP! His spirit will be with us always.
Eleanor Norman~
[DARREN HARDY] Thanks for sharing such kind words with us, Eleanor! He truly was an amazing person!
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Excellent site
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You’ve made some very good points there. I did a lookup about the topic and wanted to say that I noticed that a lot of people today will agree with your post.
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Paul J. Meyer has made a huge difference in my life. In 1982 I founded a non-profit educational organization called Wellspring. Having come across a quote by Paul Meyer, I made it a founding principle of the organzation. “Whatever we vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass.” This I believe and it has helped me find my husband and helped the organization find its lovely country center in Wisconsin. I have passed this quote on to many people over the years who are eqully inspired and motivated by it.
Thank you Paul, post-humously. I wish I could have shared my success with him before he passed on. Thank you for carrying on his work.
Mary Ann Ihm
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I’ve recently been coverting some records my grandparents left me to mp3/CD. Among them, I found one called PERSONAL MOTIVATION, read by a youthful Paul Meyer. This recording was no doubt pivotal in growing my Pop’s business. It will help me in my business pursuits as well.
As an avid listener to many, many self imporovment programs over the years, I was impressed that what I heard on this record is still as relevant as ever.
As I’m only getting familiar with Pauls work, I am in agreement that the self development arena indeed lost a legend. May his work live on!
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Darren Hardy Reply:
February 11th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
What a great find, Rodwell! You just provided proof that his work does in fact live on.
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Hello Darren,
Speaking of finds. I just came across a complete Paul J. Meyer/SMI Magic Formula for Selling Kit from 1962. It includes 12 LP record albums in excellent condition. Some of the titles include: Paul J Meyer; How To Prospect Your Way To Millions, Napoleon Hill; Think and Grow Rich, Hugh Bell and others. It also has Ben Sweetland’s 7 LP Magic Formula for Selling and a large binder with written brochures and training info that came with the kit in 1962.
I was not familiar with Mr. Meyer until I came across the above materials but after a brief search online it is evident that he was quite a man and left a lasting legacy. If you, or someone you know would be interested in them or want more info, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
Sincerely,
John Graves
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Darren Hardy Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
GREAT find, John! Enjoy it!
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