testimonials for
discovering your purpose through the
power of words
This is just a sampling of the many hundreds of emails and messages that have come in from early readers since the book was pre-launched at the end of April, 2009.
Testimonials for P
Dearest Kevin: My dear friend, Martsie Webb—who I have known since the 3rd grade— called and said that she had been to the most motivating seminar and that we just had to read your amazing book, Aspire. In April of this year our 27 year old son was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer. Without going into all of the details, by the time he was diagnosed every vertebrae in his back had collapsed and he was unable to lift his head off the pillow let alone even walk. The doctors had misdiagnosed him with collapsed discs and had prescribed 2 Loritab a day—one in the morning and one in the evening. He was working every day trying not to loose his health insurance and finishing up his MBA from Westminster College in the evenings. When he could no longer walk, he went to the emergency room where the final diagnosis was made. Martsie brought your book for Brandon to read while he was in the hospital. Brandon started your book and had a hard time putting it down until he had completed it. In fact, I would look up and he had fallen asleep with your book still in his hands. He was certainly touched and gave it to me to read. It is amazing! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing with us what your have learned throughout many of your journey’s and the secret power of words that you have introduced to us. Your humility and empathy has inspired us to be better and has helped us to look at our lives and see how our path and purpose can be strengthened and grow to help others. We would love to see this message and book be shared with every cancer patient out there and to all of their care-givers and all of their families and on and on . . . !!!!!! Brandon and his sweet wife (married only 13 months) are our heroes and because of you we have a new Ollin with a passion like we did not know how to describe. Brandon, after only 3 months has had 2 rounds of chemo and his first bone marrow transplant. He is home from the hospital for 2 months to get stronger and gain weight (after loosing 45 lbs) before his 3rd round of chemo and his 2nd transplant at the end of August. He is walking now with the help of a walker and gets stronger every day!! Talk about coachable and an inspiration to every one he comes in contact with!!! We thank you, Kevin and look forward to meeting you some day in the near future. Sincerely, Bobbi Plewe
I love your book! It is fabulous! It is certainly destined to be the next #1 New York Times bestseller. I am excited to buy many more and give to friends, relatives and business associates. I love words and have always loved words. This is my dream book. Everybody, every household should have this fabulous book. It is right there at the top of my list for gifts and books that I can refer others to. I received two copies that were personally signed by you and are very special to me. I gave the other copy to my Father who is reading it now for the second time and has told me it is one of his favorite books ever. I am also ordering a book for Rick Thawley at World Financial Group and see him sharing this with his thousands of employees and customers. Thank you again for inspiring me to reach higher. This book has renewed my energy for my own passion and purpose. I have wanted to give up at times when things get tough but your book has renewed my energy and faith and enthusiasm to what I am meant to do. Marci Redding Bountiful, Utah ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I just finished the book last night and it was FANTASTIC . . . from beginning to end. You are a very gifted writer. This book touched me in so many ways and at just the right time in my life. I hope that I can impact others lives that way you have mine! You have such a positive, inspiring spirit and I feel fortunate that our paths have crossed! Thanks again for such a wonderful book (I can’t wait to reread it!). Jennifer Beseiso Falling Waters Spa Draper, Utah ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I just received a call from Lance letting me know that you are available and willing to speak. It is going to be the highlight of the night to have you there. Lance was very kind to have given me a copy of your book and WOW it is amazing! I have begun a journey that will impact my life and I know it will be a huge success for you! Kimile Levell
Kevin—Mitch Morrison met you recently at an event run by his firm CSP Information Group. He was quite impressed with you and had you sign a copy of your book Aspire for me. I’m reading it and loving every page of it. Thank you for writing a book with such an important impact. Paula Weiner President, Weiner & Associates, Inc. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Kevin, I have been reading your very insightful book. Learning more about words from you and Arthur Watkins is such an “encouragement”. . . and hence my thought and idea came about. I almost wondering if you haven’t thought of it already. It is a “simple” idea but one I think would give personal impact to many people we love and care about. Your book is on the “power of words” and the impact that certain words can meaning bring to our lives when properly understood in context. I would think it would be exciting to see the content of this book be carried further through some type of “inspiration” cards. Yes, Hallmark does this with many cards but they don’t break down the etymology as you do in your book. If you decided to make some type of card with each word from each chapter of the book chapters . . . this could be given to others for the reasons listed in the book. That is the basic concept. I know if you made some cards, I would definitely order them. Thanks for your encouragement and wisdom. It’s a blessing to others, for sure. Clay Kentucky ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Your book is amazing. It has proved to be a great tool for those of us who work in the spa industry, where our job is to create a relaxing and uplifting environment for our clients using the power of words. Aspire is an excellent book for those who are seeking self-growth and creating positivity around them. The book has also been a great seller among the clients that frequent our spa who are looking for a way to create a more positive and uplifting lifestyle beyond this spa. We have sold a few dozen books here by simple word of mouth and continue to offer the book at our reception desk. Megen Theobald Falling Waters Spa, Draper, Utah Just a quick note to express my sincere appreciation for your book which Pat Murphy gave me.
I’m in Shanghai and read half of it on the way over and thoroughly enjoyed it. You’re absolutely right about words—just pondering the meaning and application in ones life is so very powerful. I love the stories and appreciate the insight they provide into how you became so passionate about your craft. Congratulations, I wish you the very best. Larry Rauzon Shanghai, China ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Kevin Over the last few months a friend of mine from the gym where I work out, confided in me that his wife had left and wanted a divorce. Just recently he decided to go to counseling but had confessed he thought it was worthless. Last night as we sat alone in the gym after playing some basketball, I asked him how he was doing. Again, he said it has been a struggle because his wife just doesn’t understand, etc. I asked him if he would do me a favor and read two chapters from your new book, Genshai and Humility. I explained to him that he was not treating his wife on a completely equal basis and if he would reach down and begin to grow himself and his relationship from a humble place, he may see things differently. This evening I got an email, he wanted me to know how two simple words may have saved his marriage. Apparently he read the chapters and was moved to begin to practice the principle during their counseling session this afternoon. He could not believe the difference he felt and the completely new reaction from his wife as she saw a humble man treating her with respect and dignity. In his words, “I never understood how my personal pride was causing so much pain to my wife and kids. I will never treat any of them in the same way again. I want nothing more that to grow myself and help all of us to practice these two principles. I can’t wait to read the remaining chapters. Please send me the web-site to buy a dozen books for my friends and family. Thank you, Steve, for being my friend and for sharing such a marvelous book with me.” Kevin, I’m not ready to be a marriage counselor, but your book may put me in business by default, and yes, it is a “marvelous” book. Your friend and fan Steve Carlston
I wanted to let you know the impact you are having on my family. My Daughter who just turned 10 was reading your book Aspire, which I gave her to read not knowing if she would. She came up to me the other day and said “dad, I am a pathfinder” and I said “what do you mean Amber?” she said “it means leader, and I am a leader.” She told me she was reading the book and all I can say is what an amazing influence your book is having on a wide range of ages. I also gave a book to my Dad after I had him sign my Book of Greats. I called him about 4 hours after I had left his house and he said he was already on page 115 , he hadn’t put it down since I had given it to him. I talked to him a few days later and he said he was reading it for the second time and loved the book . He said it had such an impact on him he really wanted to evaluate how to apply the wisdom of the book in to his life. Thank you again for delivering such a powerful book that has had such an influence on my family. Lance Alpine, UT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Thanks for the opportunity to read your book. I made it through the first 4 chapters today. It was good Sunday reading—I personally needed it. I don’t have any suggestions—I cant wait to share it with my children, and my team at Fidelity. Some things that stood out for me: + “Genshai” Never treat anyone small. I have tried to live this by this motto, but I never really thought that it included myself. WOW!!! I have been thinking about this all day. I have been my worst enemy in so many ways — + Choose one’s attitude—choose one’s way . . . + You can’t look up and down at the same time + A Leader is a Path Finder. Before you can help someone else find the path . . . you must know your own. + “Namaste” I salute the Divine within you. I agree that society doesn’t necessarily support this notion. “Conformity tramples our genius.” + If you follow your authentic voice, play will become your work, and work will become your play. + Before we can salute the Divine within others, we need to salute the Divine within ourselves. + What are my gifts? I would love some suggestions on how I can go about finding this. + I really like the assignments at the end of the chapters. I began writing down my thoughts in a notebook. I want to let you know that I appreciate you sending me this. It stirred a great deal of emotion inside me. Bob Brown Regional V.P., Fidelity Investments
The people I have given your book to and have had a chance to read it have been more than complimentary. Mike Mansfield who I work with cannot put it down. He is an attorney and owner of Nuriche. I had to give it to 2 other owners as he was talking so much about it. Their response is also glowing . Last week I gave a copy to Allie Derrick. She always purchases books for her extended family. She started to read as I was there and she immediately wrote a check for $50 dollars for 2 more. She said she had a feeling that this is just what her granddaughters needed. They read a book together each year and she said I know this is the book we are going to read. Her one granddaughter attends Stanford and the other is very educated and has a job in the Bay Area. I have sent books to Jack Calhoun who was the founder of the NCCP (National Center for Children in Poverty) and worked with 4 presidents. He was in my office when the other men were talking about it and he asked where he could buy it. I did not have one with me so I have mailed a copy to him. He lives in Washington D.C. I will tell you that I feel this book is going to change peoples lives. I am so excited about the journal. I feel when I give this book to the company presidents that I have spoken with you will be asked to come and do a seminar. This is going to be as big as Franklin, if not bigger. People need this right now. When I have spoken about your book eveyone wants to get a copy. I have given one to the former Governor of the State of Utah, Norm Bangerter (I served as his Chief of Staff) and will speak with him. I know you allowed me to read as you wrote and I want you to tell your publisher that from the first word I read I knew it was a home run. I could not stop reading. You have a wonderful writing style. Judy Schiffman Salt Lake City, UT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I met you a day before Mother’s Day @ Roger’s Gardens. You made a special trip to go out to your car & return with your book Aspire. I loved the gesture but couldn’t get to the book or even a chapter for days because of a ridiculously busy schedule. Finally was able to open the book and start reading . . . I couldn’t put it down! I loved your stories, connected with all of them. I feel fortunate to have helped you that day, to have met you & be given this gift that I will pass on to my friends. I especially love how you get your kids together once a year to discuss goals. Your book will stay with me forever. Thank you. Theresa Marino Laguna Beach, CA P.S. Did I mention how much I needed your book at that place & time?
My word is “Friend.” I kept thinking or trying to find another word to better describe me or my feelings of “my word” like loyalty, compassionate, unconditional, but I kept coming back to “friend” I talked to my husband and he said that was the perfect word for me. So I guess that is it! My favorite part of your message was “Starting the Journey Isn’t what counts, but how you finish it.” I’ve lived and done a lot in my 36 years and gained a lot of insightful experience, could I have done it a little differently to learn it, maybe so, but life happens. You either take what you learned and live to do better and make a difference in the world, or wallow in self pity and play the victim your whole life without really finding true happiness. People would probably say I live my life in what “could be” instead of being realistic, but I find that realistic is boring and not very happy. I find that if you reach high enough, you can attain most of it, if not all of it, you just might not see it all yet, but it’s lying right in front of you. Thank you for being an inspiration to those around you and for writing a great book that will bring people hope. Without hope our lives have only small glimpses of happiness, with hope, there is a burning within our souls to make a difference. Thank you. Sincerely, Amberlee Smith
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I am only 2 chapters into your book and already very grateful for our chance meeting the other day. I have been deep in thought lately, trying to find the most meaningful path for my next 40 years. I needed a push and some new perspective. I have recently decided that my goals were not properly aligned with my potential and what the Lord needs most from me. Thank you for the 4 books. In addition to giving one book to my wife September, I have 2 other young men, one 27, the other 17, that I believe will greatly benefit from and appreciate Aspire. To return the gift, I will purchase 10 more and give them out to others. You are a great man. Good luck with this book and all your endeavors. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Thank you! Doug Smith Co-Founder of HealthRider
I gave my mother-in-law a copy of Aspire for her birthday—her husband wrote 26 books before he died and she edited them all. She loves the book and at 72 loves the chapter on Humility— she never stops growing and she is a perfect example of the chapter. I gave a book to Randall Cunningham the former NFL QB and he loves it and is using some of the words in his sermons on Sundays—he is now a Pastor of a local church in Las Vegas. I also gave a copy to a woman and her husband in North Carolina. Below is her response to me. She and her husband are really struggling, so I sent them a book with a note—“read this book, you will feel better.” Steve Carlston Agoura Hills, CA Steve— Again you came through. During my prayer time this morning I asked God for some kind of encouragement, something that let me know what we’re doing is in His will. I do believe and have faith beyond any question. I just don’t know why it’s taking so long and wonder if it’s because of the path we’re on? How much I see things that are considered ‘God winks’ quite a bit. Then I wonder if I’m just looking for them as signs. Of all mornings for your book to be sitting in our mail box, right on top of everything with the letter V immediately catching my attention, I couldn’t help but smile. I don’t even stop to pick up the mail often as I’m leaving the farm. What made me stop and do so this morning? I don’t want to test God or wear Him out in giving me signs—I’m hoping to have learned from the Israelites’ mistakes of doing that after they witnessed the parting of the Red Sea!!! The first chapter alone has made me look at my problems in a new light, it is wonderful; we can’t wait to read it all tonight. In a time of need this book is exactly what I needed. Warmly, Jan Charlotte, NC
I recently had all our gardens redone and I chose to start your book as I sat outside amongst the birds, flowers and water sounds from my new pond. I love this book! I spent last night sharing Genshai with my son Ben and Namasté with my daughter Paulina! All I can say is today I am traveling to a client in Wisconsin and I will keep it close to me on the many plane legs to this trip! Congratulations on a wonderful book. I am loving it. Warmest wishes for continued success. Bonnie Siegel Kansas City, MO ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Kevin! The book has moved me entirely. Now on my 4th time reading it in just an 8 day period. I have it marked up left and right. Can’t believe how well written it is, and the power within. You truly have a gift with words! How blessed I am to be a part of your path. I need a box of these books. I would like to purchase them. Guide me as to how to go about the procedure please. Thank you again Kevin. BTW, I gave out both of the extra copies I took with me to the CEO and CFO of Barrick Corp here in Australia. Love you my friend~ Chad Hymas Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) Inspirational Speaker, Author, World Record Wheelchair Athlete ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was exactly the type of answer I was hoping for. For me, it is great to get the authors perspective of his/her book, as though he/she is the reader of the book. It kind of gives me a “mind set” to have when beginning to read something. Albeit you may explain the “how to” in the introduction of your book, I find it rare that authors do so. I am in awe. Joe
I finished reading Aspire this week . . . my absolute favorite word in the book: Sapere Vedere! I did a search online for the words “Sapere Vedere”—which led me to another book that I have already ordered a copy. The first chapter in that book is devoted to da Vinci and “Knowing How to See”. Great job. Ben ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I just finished your book last week and, wow! I felt like I was on journey with you for the 24 hours that I was reading it. I loved the people and their experiences that you shared—I felt as though I was living their defining moments in life, with them. Thank you for sharing so much of your heart and soul. I feel like a better person having read it. It impacted me so much that I have given out 10 copies to school administrators, family and close friends. Just this morning I was talking to my sister (whom I gave a copy to for Mother’s Day), she loves it so much that she has been reading parts of it to people that she works with and teaching them the meaning of Genshai. It’s contagious! Again, thank you so much for sharing it with me. It’s the kind of book that brings you to your base emotions and asks, “what is really authentic in your life”? “What experiences define who you are?” You have had some incredible self- defining experiences—thanks for sharing them! I wish you the best with this book—it will do amazingly well. Much appreciation, Joan Linton P. S. This book would be great for educators! If you need any help getting the word out, my husband has over 300,000 contacts with teachers and administrators that he works with through his company, School Improvement Network (www.schoolimprovement.com). Let him know how he can help. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Hi Kevin - It was great to see you on Friday. I started reading your book and I love it. I’ve been working on my “one” word and have a list that I will narrow down. Today I bought a small journal and I’m looking forward to our Thursday call. Have a great day! Mimi Somerman SVP Marketing, Mimi’s Cafe
I wanted to write you and let you know that I read Aspire. Thank you for sharing it with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I read it in a couple of days. Let me begin by confessing that, although I enjoy reading very much, I seldom read selfimprovement or motivational-type books. In fact, the only one I remember reading was Who Moved My Cheese? some years ago. Reading your book really impressed me and left an indelible mark on how I will choose to live my life and take control of the circumstances that surround it. I think your book was especially poignant because I have never been as busy as I am now. I enjoy, and thrive in, the fast pace and demands of my profession, but I have been thinking about balancing my life better and laying the foundation for my future and the future of my young daughters. Lately, I’ve felt like I get on a fast-moving train the moment I wake up and don’t get off the train until the last second of the day when I lay my head on the pillow. My brain and body is in constant motion, always thinking and doing. I’ve thought long and hard about this nagging feeling. Your book is exactly what I was looking for - something to evaluate my life, prioritize and organize my goals and aspirations, and narrowly focus on what I want to become. I’d like to share a little more about my personal background to give you a benchmark or point of reference for the reasons your book has inspired me so deeply. I grew up in a so-called “thirdworld country” and immigrated to the US when I was 12. My family is of modest means—one of the legion of “working poor” in America. Neither of my parents received a high school education, but they taught me to believe in myself and have the self-confidence to go after my goals. And they made great personal sacrifices so that I can have the opportunities I’ve been afforded. My childhood dream was to become a lawyer. I kept that dream all through high school and college and it was a driving engine for many decisions I made in those years. Today, I am a lawyer and enjoy being one very much. But now, what? what aspiration or goal should I follow? what will be my driving engine from this point forward? I have many dreams yet to live, and goals yet to achieve, and your book has been a great help to narrow those aspirations and focus on the direction my life is going and how I’m going to enjoy today and tomorrow. Thanks for writing the book. You are sharing a phenomenal message. I’m truly lucky to have come across it now, before the train I’ve been riding took me to a place I don’t know or want to be. Warm regards, Simón Cantarero I started reading the book last night and I can’t wait to get home and read it tonight.
I finished your book (the first time) Wednesday night and still had time to read Peaks and Valleys before the plane landed. It is a book that I will want to pass on to many friends as I can relate to the messages and meanings throughout the book. Growing up in Western Washington in the early 60’s, one of the people that helped me become what I am today (besides my mom and dad) was my scoutmaster. Our hike was an eleven day hike across Olympic National Park. Because of him all three boys in our family are Eagle Scouts as well as God and Country. Our Court of Honor to receive our Eagle badge was a major ceremony. I told several people with the Leadership Conference that you were too good for a breakout speaker, you need to be a keynote for at least 90 minutes. Hope our paths will cross again in the future. Dennis Miller Elmer’s Restaurants ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Read the book and now I am applying the “Power of Words” to my life and you know what, I am happier more now than I have ever been. I attribute this to you and your book! Steven Guibord
A reader sent this email to his contacts and collegues: I am excited to share with you a new book that I have been anxiously awaiting for several years. It really is one of my top ten! Aspire - Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words!! The author, Kevin Hall, is my personal coach. As I have worked with him over the last year and half, he has brought life to my writing, speaking and coaching through a greater appreciation and understanding of the power in words. Kevin masterfully opens up words like passion—a willingness to suffer for something you love; inspire—breathe life into; vision—I know what I see; leader, pathfinder, and many others. He is a sought after speaker and now writer. At his latest speech in Phoenix he was mobbed and hundred of books flew off the table. We then had him on a conference call on Saturday and within minutes, hundreds of people had ordered the book. This is what Stephen Covey, author of 7 Habits says about it. “Just as I broke new ground in human development over 20 years ago by uncovering the habits that make for a meaningful and effective life, Kevin is breaking new ground by uncovering and revealing the true intent and meaning of the words that make up those habits.” You will want a copy for your library —and life. Ty Bennett Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur www.leadershipinc.com