Inspirational Confidence Story - Abraham LinIncoln

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln had two business ventures fail, lost 8 different elections and had a complete nervous breakdown before becoming president in 1816? His story is a great inspirational confidence story in that he shows how if you just keep moving towards your dream, you will eventually make it.


Abraham Lincoln overcame great setbacks and obstacles on his journey. Take a look at the synopsis of his life and see whether you would have had the courage to continue on.

1809 Born February 12


1816 Abraham Lincoln's family was forced out of their home and he needed to work to support his family.


1818 His mother passed away


1828 His sister dies


1831 A business venture failed


1832 He ran for the State Legislature. He lost.


1832 In the same year, he also lost his job. He decided he wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in.


1833 He borrowed money from a friend to start a business. By the end of the year, he was bankrupt.


1834 He ran for the State Legislature again. This time he won.


1835 The year was looking better as he was engaged to be married. Unfortunately, his fiancee died and he was grief stricken.


1836 This was the year he had a total nervous breakdown and for 6 months was bedridden.


1836 He sought to become Speaker of the State Legislature. He was defeated.


1840 He sought to become Elector. He was defeated.


1842 Marries Mary Todd. They have 4 boys but only one would live to maturity.


1843 He ran for Congress. He lost.


1846 He ran for Congress again. He won and moved to Washington.


1848 He ran for re-election to Congress. He lost.


1849 He sought the job of Land Officer in his home state. He didn't get the job.


1850 His son, Edward, dies.


1854 He ran for the Senate of the United states. He lost.


1856 He sought the Vice Presidential nomination at a national convention. He got less than 100 votes.


1858 He ran for the Senate again. He lost again.


1860 Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States


1862 His son, Willie, dies at age 12.


1865 On April 14, Abraham Lincoln is assassinated. 

The Poor Man's Wealth

Ramchand and Premchand were neighbours. Ramchand was a poor farmer. Premchand was a landlord.

Ramchand used to be very relaxed and happy. He never bothered to close the doors and windows of his house at night. He had deep sound sleeps. Although he had no money he was peaceful.

Premchand used to be very tense always. He was very keen to close the doors and windows of his house at night. He could not sleep well. He was always bothered that someone might break open his safes and steal away his money. He envied the peaceful Ramchand.

One day, Premchand call Ramchand and gave him a boxful of cash saying, “Look my dear friend. I am blessed with plenty of wealth. I find you in poverty. So, take this cash and live in prosperity.”

Ramchand was overwhelmingly happy. He was joyful throughout the day. Night came. Ramchand went to bed as usual. But, to-day, he could not sleep. He went and closed the doors and windows. He still could not sleep. He began to keep on looking at the box of cash. The whole night he was disturbed.

As soon as day broke, Ramchand took the box of cash to Premchand. He gave away the box to Premchand saying, “Dear Friend, I am poor. But, your money took away peace from me. Please bear with me and take back your money.”

 Money can not get everything. Learn to be satisfied with what you have and you will always be happy.