Patterns Within Memoirs

I’ve been on a bit of an audiobook kick lately. Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes, but as the years go by and schedules get fuller, audiobooks have become a great way to keep that habit alive—whether I’m commuting, traveling, or just squeezing in a few chapters before coaching my son’s basketball practice.

Lately, I’ve gravitated toward biographies and memoirs. The list is wide-ranging: business icons like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Jeff Bezos, alongside cultural figures such as Demi Moore, Jodie Sweetin, David Grohl, and Tom Selleck. On the surface, these people come from very different worlds. But as I listened, clear patterns emerged and all of these successful individuals share a few fundamental traits.

Obstacles

Every story includes setbacks—failed ventures, personal struggles, public criticism, or moments when quitting would have been the easier choice. None of them followed a straight or predictable path.

Hard Work

Talent and vision matter, but persistence shows up on every page. Long hours, constant learning, and an almost stubborn refusal to give up are common themes.

Luck

Being in the right place at the right time. But luck alone is never enough. Each of these individuals were prepared to act when opportunity appeared.

One quote from Tom Selleck stood out to me the most: “risk is the price of opportunity.” Success rarely comes without stepping into uncertainty. The difference is having the courage to seize chances when they arise.

As we look ahead to 2026, this feels especially relevant for Michigan retailers. There will undoubtedly be challenges and risks ahead. But there will also be opportunity—for growth, innovation, and reinvention.

My wish for all our members is a year filled with opportunity, the resilience to overcome obstacles, and the confidence to take smart risks when the moment calls for it.