Harvey Mackay Column- The View Is Better When It Is Earned
Harvey Mackay’s October 15, 2026 column uses the story of Jerry, a non‑athlete who trains for and finishes a marathon, to illustrate that effort—not innate talent or shortcuts—is the true engine of personal and organizational success. The narrative is reinforced with motivational quotes from Jillian Michaels, NFL legend Ray Lewis, and author Robert Collier, all emphasizing daily effort as the path to transformation, mastery, reputation, resilience, and opportunity. Mackay expands the argument to the workplace, explaining how consistent effort cultivates a culture of excellence, improves collaboration, sparks innovation, and boosts customer satisfaction. The piece concludes with Mackay’s moral: “I CAN is 100 times more important than IQ,” underscoring self‑belief and disciplined work ethic as the ultimate differentiators.
Topics
Jerry’s Marathon Journey: Effort Over Talent
A narrative of a determined but unfit man who trains, endures hardship, and finishes a marathon, illustrating that perseverance beats natural ability.
Authority Voices on Effort: Quotes from Jillian Michaels, Ray Lewis, and Robert Collier
Selected quotations from a fitness guru, a Hall‑of‑Fame linebacker, and a classic author that reinforce the central thesis that daily effort drives transformation and success.
Individual Effort as the Engine of Personal Success and Career Growth
Analysis of how consistent effort hones skills, builds mastery, enhances reputation, and opens promotion opportunities within an organization.
Effort Builds Resilience and Reputation
Discussion of how pushing through challenges strengthens future obstacle handling and earns trust from colleagues and superiors.
Effort Fuels Organizational Culture: Excellence, Collaboration, Innovation, and Customer Satisfaction
Explanation of how collective effort creates a culture of excellence, improves teamwork, drives innovative thinking, and leads to higher customer loyalty.
Mackay’s Moral: I CAN Trumps IQ
The concluding principle that self‑belief and a strong work ethic outweigh raw intelligence in achieving goals.