Jim Rohn was a highly influential American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker whose inspiring ideas and powerful speeches positively impacted millions of people worldwide. Born on September 17, 1930, in Yakima, Washington, Rohn grew up on a farm in Caldwell, Idaho, as an only child. Throughout his career, Rohn guided many individuals toward personal and professional success by sharing the lessons he learned from his own experiences.
Starting his professional journey as a stock clerk, Rohn quickly developed a flair for nurturing growth and success in various aspects of life. His dedication to personal development led him to become one of the most sought-after motivational speakers and business philosophers of his time. Over four decades, Rohn gave speeches to thousands of audiences and over five million people, earning prestigious industry awards such as the National Speakers Association CPAE Award and the Master of Influence Award.
Rohn’s teachings, often grounded in principles of goal setting, self-discipline, and entrepreneurship, continue to resonate with those seeking inspiration and guidance. His enduring influence can be felt in the lives of countless individuals who have benefited from his wisdom, as well as through his numerous books and recorded seminars. Despite his passing on December 5, 2009, Rohn’s legacy lives on, empowering future generations to fearlessly pursue their dreams and make the most of their potential.
Early Life and Background
Jim Rohn was born Emanuel James Rohn on September 17, 1930, in Yakima, Washington. He was the only child of his parents, Emanuel and Clara Rohn. The family owned and worked a farm in Caldwell, Idaho, instilling in Jim the value of hard work, humility, and resourcefulness from a young age.
Growing up as a farm boy in Caldwell, Idaho, Jim was immersed in a modest lifestyle with his family relying on their farming efforts for their livelihood. Despite their financial challenges, the experience of growing up on a small farm helped shape Jim’s work ethic and drive for success.
In his early twenties, Jim began to find opportunities outside of the farming community by meeting influential individuals such as Earl Shoaff, who later became his mentor. This meeting sparked a turning point in Jim’s life, setting him on a path of personal and professional growth that would lead him to eventually become a millionaire by the age of 30.
Influences and Mentors
Earl Shoaff
Jim Rohn, a renowned personal development speaker, credited much of his success to his mentor, John Earl Shoaff. Shoaff was a prolific entrepreneur, known as the “millionaire maker.” He not only mentored Rohn but also played a crucial role in shaping the lives of other notable personalities like Zig Ziglar and Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Although Rohn did not have a formal education, he developed a thirst for knowledge and was committed to self-education, as instilled by his mentor Shoaff. Rohn’s life took a significant turn at the age of 25 when he attended a “laws of success” lecture by Shoaff. This lecture inspired him to embark on a personal development journey that forever changed his life and the lives of those who would later be influenced by his teachings.
Under Shoaff’s guidance, Rohn transitioned from working as a store clerk to becoming a successful figure in the personal development industry. He went on to share his message with more than 6,000 audiences and over 5 million people globally, earning multiple industry awards, including the coveted National Speakers Association’s CPAE Award and the Master of Influence Award.
Jim Rohn’s story highlights the importance of finding impactful mentors and the profound effect they can have on personal growth and success. Throughout his life, Rohn never failed to acknowledge the significant role his mentor, Earl Shoaff, played in shaping his career and philosophies.
Career as a Motivational Speaker
Becoming a Motivational Speaker
Jim Rohn began his career as a motivational speaker after working as a store clerk. He soon started delivering speeches at high schools and colleges, eventually earning between $3,000 to $8,000 per lecture. Over time, Rohn honed his craft as a skilled artist, helping people worldwide sculpt life strategies to expand their imaginations of what is possible.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Throughout his career, Jim Rohn collaborated with numerous motivational speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. Some notable individuals he worked with include Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, Mark Victor Hansen, T. Harv Eker, and Darren Hardy. Rohn’s influence played a significant role in the success of many of these individuals, helping them shape their strategies and refine their approaches to personal and professional growth.
In addition to collaborating with other influential speakers, Rohn conducted seminars and other events, where he shared his wisdom and experience with individuals seeking self-improvement. He was recognized for his skills as a speaker by receiving the National Speakers Association CPAE Award for his outstanding contributions to the field.
Books and Publications
Jim Rohn was an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who wrote several books aimed at helping people lead successful lives and realize their full potential. Throughout his career, he published numerous works on personal development, leadership, and success.
Popular Works
Twelve Pillars is one of Rohn’s most famous books, co-authored with Chris Widener. It provides a story of the journey of a young man named Michael who learns 12 valuable life principles. These principles are applicable to various areas of one’s life and are presented in an engaging and easily digestible manner.
The Power of Ambition is an audio program that discusses creating a roadmap for success. Throughout this program, Rohn shares his wisdom on achieving personal and professional goals, cultivating good habits, and learning from failure. This program encapsulates many of Rohn’s ideas on how to harness the power of ambition to create a life of purpose and achievement.
Another notable work is Seven Strategies for Wealth & Happiness. In this book, Rohn offers practical advice on using these seven strategies to attain financial security, happiness, and enjoy a fulfilling life. Drawing from his own experiences, Rohn provides a straightforward insight into proven methodologies for personal growth.
In addition to these well-known titles, Jim Rohn authored other books, such as:
- Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle: A guide to understanding the key aspects of personal achievement, including goal setting, attitude, philosophy, and self-discipline.
- Seasons of Life: A poetic reflection on the different stages of life and the valuable lessons each one holds.
- The Treasury of Quotes: A collection of Rohn’s most impactful and memorable quotes that provide insights and inspiration.
Jim Rohn’s books, audio programs, and videos have left an indelible mark on the personal development industry and continue to inspire countless individuals to pursue success and personal growth.
Personal Development Philosophy
Pillars of Success
Jim Rohn was a renowned American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who emphasized the importance of personal development in achieving success. His philosophy can be summarized in a few essential pillars:
- The power of goal-setting: Rohn believed in the importance of setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals to provide direction and motivation on one’s path to success.
- Continual learning and growth: He encouraged individuals to invest in their education and personal development, as growth serves as a key differentiator between success and failure.
- Managing time wisely: According to Rohn, effective time management allows individuals to accomplish more and reduces unnecessary stress.
- Maintaining a positive attitude: Rohn asserted that cultivating a positive mindset and focusing on solutions rather than problems greatly influence one’s success rate.
Personal Responsibility
Rohn’s teachings emphasized the significance of personal responsibility in self-improvement and accomplishing goals. Below are some of the essential elements of personal responsibility in Rohn’s philosophy:
- Taking ownership of choices: He believed that individuals should acknowledge and accept the consequences of their actions and decisions, both good and bad.
- Adapting to change: Rohn knew that change is inevitable and encouraged people to be flexible and adaptable in the face of change, as it presents opportunities for growth.
- Embracing discipline: He stressed the importance of cultivating self-discipline to stay consistent and committed towards achieving one’s goals.
- Making informed decisions: Rohn advocated for making thoughtful, well-researched choices and warned against making hasty, uninformed decisions.
Jim Rohn’s personal development philosophy has inspired millions of people around the world to take control of their lives and strive for continuous growth, both personally and professionally. His emphasis on motivation, attitude, commitment, and growth formed the foundation of his teachings and serves as a valuable guide for anyone looking to improve their life.
Influence on Others
Well-Known Protegés
Jim Rohn, a remarkable motivational speaker and life strategist, has had a significant impact on the careers of several successful authors and speakers. Among them are Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield, creators of the renowned Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, as well as Brian Tracy, Todd Smith, and T. Harv Eker. Each of these individuals attributes part of their success to the influence and guidance received from Jim Rohn.
One of Rohn’s most notable mentors was John Earl Shoaff, an entrepreneur and philosopher known as “The Millionaire Maker.” Shoaff’s teachings played a crucial role in shaping Rohn’s ideas and philosophies, which he later shared with his own mentees.
Industry Recognition
In addition to impacting the lives and careers of numerous well-known speakers, Jim Rohn received various notable awards throughout his career. These accolades testify to his invaluable contributions to the personal development and motivational speaking industry. Some of the prestigious awards associated with his name include the coveted National Speakers Association (NSA) CPAE Award and the Master of Influence Award.
Rohn’s dynamic influence has transcended time, as his philosophies continue to inspire and resonate with people worldwide. His ability to implement change and foster success in the lives of many is a testament to the lasting impact of his mentorship and his masterful approach to motivational speaking.
Entrepreneurial Endeavors
Nutri-Bio and Standard Oil
Jim Rohn started his entrepreneurial journey by joining Nutri-Bio, a direct selling company that provided nutritional supplements. He worked at Nutri-Bio for several years and became a top salesman under the mentorship of Earl Shoaff. Alongside Nutri-Bio, he also worked at Standard Oil and gained valuable experience in business and personal development.
At the age of 25, Rohn made his first fortune and continued his personal growth, eventually transitioning from working in sales to becoming a speaker and author.
Herbalife International
Later in his career, Jim Rohn played a significant role in the growth of Herbalife International, a multi-level marketing company founded by Mark R. Hughes. Herbalife specializes in the sales of nutritional supplements, weight-management products, and personal care items.
Rohn, with his captivating speaking skills and motivating message, contributed to the success of Herbalife by helping to train and inspire the sales force. His expertise in personal development and business growth allowed him to provide valuable guidance to Herbalife’s representatives, ultimately supporting the company’s global expansion.
Legacy and Impact
Lessons and Inspirations
Jim Rohn was an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who left a significant impact on personal development and success principles. His achievements inspired countless individuals to strive for a better, more fulfilling life. Rohn’s philosophy was founded on the belief that anyone could learn to succeed through dedication, hard work, and continuous learning.
Throughout his career, Rohn emphasized the importance of developing personal skills, setting clear goals, and cultivating good habits. His many aphorisms, such as “Success is something you attract by the person you become,” and “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” highlight his focus on personal accountability and self-improvement.
Continuing Influence on Today’s Thought Leaders
Jim Rohn’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate present-day entrepreneurs and success seekers. Although he passed away in December 2009 due to respiratory disease, his wisdom lives on through the vast resources he created, including books, seminars, and audio programs.
Rohn’s teachings have influenced many notable speakers in the personal development arena, such as Tony Robbins, John C. Maxwell, and Darren Hardy. By imparting the powerful lessons of goal-setting, discipline, and persistence, Rohn has made a lasting impact on countless lives and still serves as an inspiration for personal growth.
Personal Life and Death
Family and Relationships
Jim Rohn was born on September 17, 1930, in Yakima, Washington, to Emanuel and Clara Rohn. Rohn was married and had children, whom he had to support when he faced bankruptcy early in his life. Through a friend, he attended a seminar on Earl Shoaff, who later became his mentor and guided him toward a new way of life. Rohn then became involved in the personal development business known as “Adventures in Achievement,” consisting of live seminars and workshops.
Death and Memorial
Sadly, Jim Rohn passed away on December 5, 2009, at the age of 79. He died due to pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that affects the lungs. Rohn left behind a legacy of personal development teachings and authored over 20 books during his lifetime. His memorial service was held in Beverly Hills, CA, and he was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Rohn’s contributions to the world of personal development continue to inspire and impact the lives of people around the globe.
