Les Brown On Why It Pays To Be Hungry

Dec 25, 2018

Les Brown shared his story in a powerful video. His incredible life and experiences are moving and inspiring.

After being told he was mentally challenged, Les Brown was sent back to the fourth grade. He stayed in this category until graduating from high school.

Brown isn't shy about sharing that he never received college training. But, one day, he met someone that changed his life forever. That person was a teacher named Mr. Washington.

The teacher instructed Brown to go to the board and begin writing. Brown replied that he couldn't do it. He explained that he wasn't one of the teacher's students

The teacher replied for Brown to follow his directions regardless of whose student he was. Brown replied that he was mentally challenged and simply couldn't.

Springing up immediately, the teacher approached Brown.

"Don't ever say that again", the teacher told him. He shared with Brown that just because someone shared with Brown their opinion of him, that didn't make it a reality

The teacher continued to talk, bringing Brown to tears. "Les Brown, if you want to do anything worthwhile in life, you've got to be hungry!"

Brown admitted to the teacher that he was hoping to become a DJ. So at that moment, he committed to start working on developing himself.

The teacher shared that he needed to practice each day to become a DJ. While Brown knew he didn't currently have a job, the teacher shared that it didn't matter.

"It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared," the teacher told Brown.

While working on his own personal development, Brown applied to be a DJ in Miami Beach for WNB. He approached someone named Milton Butterball.

Asking for a job as a DJ, Brown shared that he didn't have a broadcasting background, a journalism background, or any job experience. Mr. Butterball replied that there were no jobs available

The teacher said Brown must keep trying, telling him, "People are so negative, they will have to say no seven times before they say yes."

Going back again two more times, Brown used his persistence to win over Mr. Butterball.

He started getting the staff members coffee, dinner and waited for his moment to shine. One night, an on-air DJ was unable to finish his program, and Les Brown knew that it was his shot!

Les Brown's incredibly inspiring story reminds us to have faith, practice our craft, and never give up!

What did you think of the story? Do you have your own inspirational moment? Let us know, and don't forget to pass this on to someone and inspire them!