"I can't count how many times people ask how I've been able to continually overcome adversity. I was called a "survivor" long before the hit TV show was even invented. But in fact my winning formula is very simple. Whatever the situation (and you must stay focused on the situation, not the players)-whether I'm dealing with the death of someone I love, considering a strategic alliance or public offering for my company, making an important decision about my family or my lifestyle, or about pouring my heart out in this book-I always follow my three easy steps:

1. Make a realistic plan that will get you closer to your dream,

2. Follow your God-given instincts,

3. Find the seed for good.

Throughout this book, you'll see how these strategies have never failed me. In the good times and the bad, I keep following these three steps religiously. This is my game plan for overcoming obstacles, doing good in this world, and leading a happy, fulfilling life. And I know these steps can work for you, too. Let me take you there by the hand-and remember that I've been there, too.

I've painstakingly struggled to write this book but, as I write, it is always in keeping with my three steps. This is the story of my life, based on my perspective as the one living it. It is written with love, for the people who come up to me after I've spoken at one of my many public speaking engagements, luncheons, and seminars. It's for the people that are very interested and moved by what I have to say as I share the lessons I've learned. They tell me that I inspired them and ask, "Where's your book?" I've written it for courageous entrepreneurs who have an idea and might just need a gentle push. I've written it for our Mitchell's employees whose love and support sustained me in my most difficult hours. And I've written it for anyone who has a dream and recognizes how exhilarating it would be to achieve that dream."