ABOVE ALL ELSE
by Chris Widener
(excerpted from Chris Widener’s New Book, Above All Else)

Chapter I

Michael Jones was walking down the beach on his beloved Sanibel Island. He and his wife Amy had lived an incredible life, and now, at age seventy-two, he was enjoying the fruit of that life. A number of years ago they had built their dream home on West Gulf Drive on this exquisite tropical island. It was a sprawling estate built on three lots, with a cost of over ten million dollars. It had a gorgeous view to the south, looking out to the seemingly endless horizon. Dolphins regularly swam just off the beach. Birds were plenty. And most of all, Michael loved the shells—a nearly endless beach of incredible shells. He loved to walk and look for another perfect shell for his collection. He and Amy enjoyed the hand-in-hand walks they took together, but this evening, Michael was by himself. It was just before sunset, and he was walking toward the setting sun. His heart was filled with the wonder of it all.

His peace was temporarily broken when his cell phone rang. He normally didn’t bring it with him on his walks, but he forgot to take it out of his back pocket before he left. When he saw who it was on his caller I.D., he was glad he had it. It was his oldest grandchild, Josh.

He punched the connect button. “Josh! How are you?”

“Good, Grandpa. How are you?”

“I am doing terrific. Just walking along the beach, enjoying the sunset. What are you up to?”

“Just doing homework.” It was September of Josh’s senior year of high school, and he was inundated by the workload. Josh was a good kid—a strong young man with a good head on his shoulders and a bright future. Since Michael and Amy had moved full time to Sanibel Island, Josh hadn’t seen as much of his grandparents. Usually just a week a year for vacations. But Josh and Michael spoke on the phone every couple of weeks.

“What classes are you taking? You are a senior this year, right?”

“Yep. One year to go. I am taking the normal stuff. Pre-Calculus, English, History. You know.”

“Well, your grandpa is getting up there. It was over fifty years ago when I was in high school. Are you enjoying it?”

“Actually I am. I am just trying to make sure I do well in school and also have some fun with my friends. You know what they say, ‘All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.’ ”

“Just like your grandpa, Josh.”

“Well, Grandpa, I am calling because of one class I am taking. It requires me to do a senior project on a successful person.”

“Yeah, who are you going to do it on?”

“Well, I was thinking about doing it on you, Grandpa.”

“Well, that’s very flattering, Josh, but you should do it on a president or one of the great industrialists or technology titans. That’s probably what your teacher expects. A historical figure.”

“Well, I asked my teacher if I could do it on you, and she said yes. I mean, Grandpa, lots of people know you, and you have achieved more than almost everybody. And the fact is, even though I know your basic rags-to-riches story, I don’t even know the details behind it. I’ve picked up bits and pieces throughout the years, but maybe now would be the time for me to put it all together.”


The Single Most Important Lesson for Achieving, Sustaining, and Enjoying Success

This absorbing sequel to Chris Widener and Jim Rohn’s best-seller Twelve Pillars takes the story to the next level and teaches what you need to maintain success.

Thirty years have passed since that fateful day Michael Jones’ car rolled to a stop in front of a mysterious mansion. Little did Michael know his life would be changed by the old maintenance man who teaches him the Twelve Pillars of Success—principles that governed the life of the mansion’s owner. Now, after a lifetime of applying those twelve pillars, Michael has achieved success beyond his wildest dreams, becoming one of America’s most famous and wealthy businessmen. Beyond the twelve pillars there was one other lesson he learned along the way, though—the most important lesson. It was the one that should come “Above All Else.”

Take an afternoon and journey into the relationship between a grandfather and his grandson as the old man teaches the young boy the wisdom of the ages as set out by Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man to ever walk the face of the earth. A quick read, an enjoyable story, and one filled with profound insights to help you achieve, sustain, and enjoy your own success!

Here’s what Jim Rohn has to say about Above All Else:

“Above All Else is a perfect follow-up to Twelve Pillars. How often do we get to jump forward and see how someone succeeded thirty years after getting advice that will change their life? In Chris’ new book, it is exciting to see how the lessons learned, and new lessons as well, can change a life and leave a legacy for others. Enjoy this simple story of success.”
—Jim Rohn, America’s Foremost Business Philosopher