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The Power of Purpose

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6 Compact Discs plus a Bonus Disc Many of the world's greatest leaders were called failures, until they discovered their life purpose. When you choose an occupation that is truly compatible with your preferences, abilities, and unique personality, you will at last begin to understand the meaning of true happiness and personal success.

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1998

24 people are currently reading
475 people want to read

About the author

Les Brown

397 books511 followers
This is Les Brown, motivational speaker
Les^^Brown is the author of warship books

Les Brown is a top Motivational Speaker, Speech Coach, and Best-Selling Author, loving father and grandfather, whose passion is empowering youth and helping them have a larger vision for their lives.

Les Brown's straight-from-the-heart, high-energy, passionate message motivates and engages all audiences to step into their greatness, providing them with the motivation to take the next step toward living their dream. Les Brown's charisma, warmth and sense of humor have impacted many lives.

Les Brown's life itself is a true testament to the power of positive thinking and the infinite human potential. Leslie C. Brown was born on February 17, 1945, in an abandoned building on a floor in Liberty City, a low-income section of Miami, Florida, and adopted at six weeks of age by Mrs. Mamie Brown, a 38 year old single woman, cafeteria cook and domestic worker, who had very little education or financial means, but a very big heart and the desire to care for Les Brown and his twin brother, Wesley Brown. Les Brown calls himself "Mrs. Mamie Brown's Baby Boy" and claims "All that I am and all that I ever hoped to be, I owe to my mother".

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5 stars
232 (62%)
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101 (27%)
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34 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Christopher Lewis Kozoriz.
827 reviews272 followers
November 12, 2021
"When you dedicate your life to something, you bring on some powers in the universe that works through you to bring about changes that you would never ever know, unless you dedicated yourself. (Les Brown, The Power of Purpose)

The author of this program, Les Brown, had me laughing my donkey off while I listened to some of his illustrations on this program. My favourite being the story of the monkeys who put their hands in some bottles for some nuts and wouldn't let go even when their capturers' were coming to get them. He used this illustration to get his audience to think about letting go and forgiving others, and that the only person we are hurting when we don't let go is ourselves. Unforgiveness blocks us from becoming all we were created to be!

This program had 12 sessions in which the author gets us motivated to succeed and cut out the things in our lives that are preventing us from tapping into our greatness.

You have greatness on the inside of you and this program will help you unleash this greatness!
Profile Image for Danijel.
480 reviews12 followers
April 13, 2015
You may hold me down but I'm standing up inside my self.
Profile Image for Cindy Walsh.
40 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2023
Audible book. So amazing, inspiring and fantastic. Just puts me in a great and awesome mood every single time I listen to him. Can't say enough of how great he is to listen to. He brings me up when I'm feeling down, he lifts my spirit and gets me to believe that anything is possible if I truly put the effort in and its a realistic goal. ( maybe even an unrealistic goal if you can push above and beyond the limits). Will listen over and over again and never get tired of his audio books.
Profile Image for nolan. .
2 reviews7 followers
November 12, 2019
les was actually one of the first self-help, motivational speakers i had the pleasure of listening to. i discovered him through a friend, during the time when i was trying to "recruit" family, friends and even clueless strangers (well, maybe they weren't that clueless given the fact that I was bombarded with "this isn't one of those things... is it???"). in spite of my personal opinion that mlm is of the worst business models known to man, i was able to walk away from that dreadful venture with a guy who infused me with that proverbial 'push' to jumpstart my personal development journey.

clocking in at 6 hours and 43 mins, it's everything you'd expect from an audiobook entitled "the power of purpose." it's filled with lots of rah-rah (you can do it!), there's an inordinate amount of quotes to drive vital points home, and personal stories are told to give context to life purpose, victimization, introspection, work performance, and other various themes.

while i felt these themes were heavily regurgitated throughout the program, les's energy was infectious enough to bypass this, even if his delivery was excessively preachy (which grew to be tiresome, if not off-putting at times). there's no denying that he has unmatched charisma coupled with a true sense of conviction. in the comedy department, however, he insisted on turning some of his messages into a "stand-up act" of sorts. his jokes were a little on the heavy-handed side, which proved to be a bit distracting, ultimately disrupting the flow of his speeches.

there are some nuggets to be found within this program. one may argue that these nuggets aren't anything new under the sun, that they're basic in nature. but I find in most cases, that "basic" equates to foundational and foundational equates to simplistically profound. while i agree with most that none of the material is practical, it does serves its purpose (pun not intended) to theoretically guide you down the path of assuming responsibility, taking initiative and remaining persistent in unfavorable circumstances. and to the person who's new to the personal development arena, that may be just enough.
Profile Image for Melania.
75 reviews27 followers
May 5, 2017
I think Les Brown's motivational speeches, is something that I'll keep thinking and listen again and again, until I will actually embody his ideas into my actions: I need to act upon my ideas, I nees to take responsability for the quality of my life, and I definitely need to change - myself, my life, and the way I think, and I guess it's message is so powerful, just because he is living proof that it's possible, and in some way I wished my parents have told me growing up these things: life is hard, but it's worth it. Take no shortcuts, and do whatever feels right for you to do, and be prepared to make mistakes along the way, but never give up on your dreams and working to improve yourself.
Profile Image for Whitney ♥.
198 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2019
I couldn't fault this - it just felt like i was there in the audience listening to this amazing man speak. I love it and will be listening over and over again.
Profile Image for T. Laane.
732 reviews94 followers
April 14, 2025
DEATH AND SUCCESS. There are no guarantees to success, but the author has one guarantee for us all – we’re going to die. Cheery, right? But think about it: that’s the ultimate truth and perhaps the ultimate motivator. You’ve got two things in life – reasons and results – and most people are too stuck generating reasons instead of going after results. If you’re committed to something, that is a commitment to sacrifice all your excuses along the way. Commitment to commitment is the key, even if it sounds like a tongue twister. ALL of us are committed anyway - but most people commit to miserable habits daily – overeating, self-pity, whatever. Watch what they do, not what they say.
LIFE ADVICE. Be gentle with yourself. Yes, you’ve made countless stupid mistakes and will make a a lot more, but that’s life. Don’t hold grudges; they don’t hurt the other person, they just hurt You and weigh you down. Your self-esteem can be measured by how well you take a compliment without dismissing it – stop cheapening compliments with excuses about your clothes being on sale etc. Make a list of the five things you’d do if you had the guts, if you’d magically have the courage to do anything - even making this list will get You a few steps ahead.
LOVE AND GOD. The Bible doesn’t say God has love – it says God is love. You can’t just give love like it’s some trinket; you must embody it. And life is a gift from God to you, but how you live it is your thank-you gift back to the divine. It’s not enough to say the right things or share a message – you’ve got to BE the message.
PROFOUND QUESTIONS. What’s the thing about you or your history that, if a woman knew it, she’d run the other way? Another deep one: what are the five things you’d love to do but are too afraid to try?
BOOKS THAT MATTER. The author read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning seven times. That tells you something – some books are worth revisiting, over and over, until their truths seep into your bones.
AUTHOR. He spent years trying to get published, writing every month, and while he eventually pushed through, his humor and demeanor suggest he’s either arrogant or just a bit lame. Listening to him talk about a single movie in this audiobook for an hour doesn’t scream originality. But hey, at least he makes people repeat sentences out loud, which is actually a solid way to keep the crowd engaged. Arrogance or not, he knows how to work a room.
Profile Image for Tõnu Vahtra.
603 reviews99 followers
August 24, 2017
Inspirational quotes, examples and tone of speech but mostly common sense, citing various other authors (e.g. Viktor E Frankl's logotherapy). Basically calling up to take charge of your own life instead of acting as a victim of consequence.

“Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality.”

“you don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.”

“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.”

“The greatest revenge is massive success.”


Profile Image for Himal Rana.
1 review
February 28, 2021
This is My first time writing review and I couldn't hold back this time from just leaving with the ratings.

This is everything you have expected after watching YouTube channel Goalcast, 'why it pays to be hungry' by Les Brown. if you haven't watched that please do before you start listening to this audiobook not that you have to but just trying to give you little glimpse of his passion for motivation speaking.

Les Brown is full of energy through out the book and you can feel his energy as if you are watching him in stadium with thousand of people.
Profile Image for Jason Wicky Ong.
341 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2019
The book does not really focus or talk much about the 'power of purpose' so if you are looking insights on that, you may be disappointed.

Les Brown's delivery is funny and passionate. However, he laughs a lot and makes a lot of jokes which may be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional by some. The stuff he talks about, you can also find them in other books so dont expect anything new as the materials are from many years ago. Overall, it's still quite impactful for me.
Profile Image for Gary Allen.
128 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2016
One of the greatest motivational speakers I have ever heard! Just you try to stop me listening to your audible book 100 more times and 100 times thereafter! A plum-pleasing-pleasure- privilege and much much more!! Outstanding!
Profile Image for Kumoyo Mukunyandela.
10 reviews
July 28, 2017
Powerful and insightful. Les Brown is more than a motivational speaker, his lessons on power of thought, cooperation and perseverance are subtle and yet practical enough for one to get started on a new of knowing and improving oneself
6 reviews
March 2, 2018
I'm currently listening to this book again. It really was inspiring to hear about his ups and downs. The reminders about the power of your mind really set me on a path to definitively change my negative thinking and approach life from a viewpoint of gratitude, boldness and a lack a fear.
204 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2018
A lot of great nuggets of wisdom. I loved some of the stories shared that really drive home principles. I will listen to again. I really did feel motivated, especially when it comes to living life with more purpose.
Profile Image for Ian McGaffey.
577 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2021
I liked how this book focused on the motivation and motivating aspects of stepping into your purpose. A lot of the resiliency found in successful people has to do with purpose or their "why". It was nice to hear some strategies to focus on that aspect of success.
Profile Image for Mark.
400 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2018
Meh. He said some offensive things and cackled about it, for hours.
Profile Image for Janell.
19 reviews
October 24, 2018
Amazing! A great 'go after your dreams and don't let anything stop you' kind of book!
Profile Image for Nicole Daley.
56 reviews18 followers
September 17, 2021
I really needed this motivational speech. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially now as the world continues to cope with the pandemic.
Profile Image for Xaviera.
1 review
May 19, 2022
I woke up to this every morning and it will continue to be part of my morning routine!
Profile Image for Duke DeLaet.
85 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2023
Good presentation from the height of the self help era. The guy is an incredible speaker
Profile Image for Missy.
379 reviews
July 11, 2017
"The best revenge is massive success."

"Wherever you are, someone sacrificed a great deal so you could be there."

Monday morning between 8 and 9 am is the most common time to have a heart attack. Because 85% of people hate their jobs. "People are literally dying to go to work!"

"The land of familiarity belongs to the dead."

"Things are neither good nor bad, but thinking it makes them so." ~Shakespeare
Profile Image for Joseph Sullivan.
110 reviews29 followers
November 17, 2021
I love people who have drive. Who polished they're gifts, till those talents shined. Les Brown made public speaking a calling and life pursuit. His speeches drip with the work, energy and pain he put into his craft.

I went through "Words of Leadership" and "It's not over till I win." These audio speeches resonated with me...more then this audiobook. But if its cake, its cake. May not have been my favorite flavor. But hey, it was still good.

I like Les Browns talent, it was hard earned. I'm a fan of persuasive, eloquent people. They have helped me...move to greater growth heights and greener hills. Mr. Brown is also a great study in the art of speech craft.
Profile Image for Annemarie Kuhnau.
190 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2017
His laugh is so amazing and contagious! I don't agree with everything but he has some amazing stuff. I listened to it on my road trip.
Profile Image for Seemy.
892 reviews10 followers
January 20, 2024
Inspirational audio compilation of some of Les Browns most compelling and powerful talks - in a style and tone only he can pull off successfully which will motivate even the most stubborn

One can argue the foundations of self help are all contained in this audio program itself - you don’t need to go around and keep looking - if you feel that you just gotta listen to this man again and again - it’s simple yet powerful - if you can get it here you won’t get it elsewhere (myself included) - because everything he says is exactly as it is - whether I can master it for myself every time or not - that is upto is ...Highly recommend

To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
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