Motivator Dale Carnegie Influenced Many People; Focus On Goals: In refusing to accept a list of failures, he found a strategy that helped millions learn how to succeed.(LEADERS & SUCCESS)

Byline: SEAN HIGGINS

If ever there were a sad sack who needed the keep-your-chin-up advice of Dale Carnegie (1888-1955), it was Dale Carnegie.

Until he published "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in 1936, the founding guru of the self-help movement failed at almost everything he'd ever tried, professionally and personally.

He never graduated from college. His tried careers in farming, teaching, salesmanship, acting, journalism and novel-writing all flopped. His first marriage ended in bitter divorce. He lost most of his savings in the stock market crash of 1929.

His failures often left him depressed. Once he was even suicidal. But his failures made him fascinated with successful people. What exactly did they do? What were their methods?

Carnegie decided it was simple self-confidence. All it needed was to be built up and constantly reinforced.

He studied the subject for years and later compiled his observations into his classic book about speaking and interacting with people.