The Try is probably the best motivational book I have read mainly due to the people that author James Owen chose to highlight. James Owen has become a major force in my life with the work he has done with his organization, Cowboy Ethics. Growing up in Elko, Nevada I saw first hand the strong character and culture among the American West ranching families. James Owen has captured that character and culture in his books (Cowboy Ethics & Cowboy Values) and his organization.
He took this one step further with The Try and highlighted extraordinary people that overcame great obstacles and challenges for their purpose. Each individual and story is unique with a specific lesson that illustrates what James Owen calls The Try!
The essence of the book was built around eight time world rodeo champion, Ty Murray. At a very young age Ty’s mother told him that God gave him an extra supply of Try. Ty used this determination to become the greatest rodeo rider of all time. Ty and many in the Rodeo world define giving 110% in anything you do as The Try. This is not something that is handed out easily and those that have The Try are truly dedicated to their purpose.
Author James Owen took this story and found eleven other individuals that define The Try which is characterized through a blend of inner drive, focus, and determination that pushes individuals to pursue their goals relentlessly, confronting every obstacle, and never, ever giving up.
The subtitle is Reclaiming The American Dream and is well suited for each individual story as an example of the character that the United States was built upon. Our society focuses on high profile athletes, celebrities and politicians but it is those unsung heroes that are the true heart and soul of the United States. Reading The Try will give every individual new motivation and pride for those quiet heroes in our country. In a fitting manner the book ends with the following quote:
“You are capable for more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.” Dr. E.O. Wilson
