What do you think?
Rate this book
The Go-Getter
The Go Getter is the story of William Peck. He was a war veteran and amputee who will not be refused what he wants. Peck not only fights to find employment but continually proves himself more than competent at the many difficult test that are throw his way in the course of his early days with the Ricks Lumber Company...
68 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1920
About the author
Peter B. Kyne
113 books29 followersPeter Bernard Kyne was an American novelist who wrote between 1904 and 1940. Many of his works were adapted into screenplays starting in the silent era, particularly his first novel, The Three Godfathers, which was published in 1913 and proved to be a huge success. He is credited in 110 films between 1914 and 1952.
When still under 18, he lied about his age and enlisted in Company L, 14th U.S. Infantry, which served in the Philippines from 1898-1899. The Spanish-American War and the following insurrection of General Emilio Aguinaldo provided background for many of Kyne's later stories.[1] During World War I, he served as a captain in Battery A of the 144th field Artillery, known as the California Grizzlies.
When still under 18, he lied about his age and enlisted in Company L, 14th U.S. Infantry, which served in the Philippines from 1898-1899. The Spanish-American War and the following insurrection of General Emilio Aguinaldo provided background for many of Kyne's later stories.[1] During World War I, he served as a captain in Battery A of the 144th field Artillery, known as the California Grizzlies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
December 18, 2014
There is an abundance of knowledge available to us; there are libraries, websites, mentors, and lessons learned the hard way. There are goals to reach, mountains to climb, lives to change, and new roads to travel. We have dreams, we have passions, and we have must-dos, can-dos, and should-dos. All of us have within us the power to make great strides for a better world for ourselves, our families, and the generations to follow. These achievements take personal and professional forms, sometimes a combination of both, and can create massive success and happiness; or, we dismiss them, say they are too hard, or let the next guy take care of them. The truth is that to realize our potential we need to believe in our missions and in ourselves.
- Casey Naiduk
If you've answered Yes to any of these questions, you might like to read The Go-Getter - a short, motivational parable with big applications.
The Go-Getter, an important and famous work, was written by Peter Bernard Kyne and first published in 1921. The story centres around disabled World War I veteran Bill Peck, a worker who must overcome many obstacles in order to build a successful life for himself. At every turn he is thwarted by life's circumstances and must rely on his own tenacity and wits to see him through.
Peck's left forearm has been amputated half way to the elbow and he walks with a slight limp; the result of a broken leg that was a long time mending, and now it's shorter than it really ought to be. Peck also developed pneumonia with influenza and T.B. indications were also found after that. He spent over a year in hospital recovering. But was he blue or discouraged?
Peck is assigned the task of purchasing a particular blue vase from a certain market place. Cappy mentions he needs to gift it to a lady of acquaintance for her wedding anniversary and that getting that particular vase is of paramount importance. Cappy is to board a train at 8 pm and it is vital that Peck deliver the vase to him at the train station before he departs.
The enterprising Peck then promptly asks for a description of the blue vase to get clarity on his task.
The search for the blue vase begins, with Peck having 5 hours to secure it. He hunts everywhere for the vase and finally, after hours of tiresome walking, he sees it sitting in a shop window of a store called "B Cohen's Art Shop". But the store is closed! Peck immediately obtains a phone directory from a hotel and proceeds to call every "Cohen" in the book!
Without going into the remainder of this short story, I can definitely say that The Go-Getter offers timeless advice about meeting goals, learning from experience, asking the right questions, and tackling tough projects with unflagging zeal. Through fictionalizations that cut to the core of these issues, this book offers everyone the inspiration to tap resources and overcome roadblocks on the way to success.
The Go-Getter is a valuable source of motivation for those committed to success and looking for the inspiration to take them to the next level. It stands out as a wonderful example of how a short fictional tale can teach the lessons of life in a simple, to-the-point story. Without becoming too simplistic in its approach, this book still has much to offer today's Go-Getters.
- Casey Naiduk
> Are you a Go-Getter?
> Are you someone who wants the best in life?
> Are you prepared to work hard to make it happen?
> Need some inspiration to help you get there?
If you've answered Yes to any of these questions, you might like to read The Go-Getter - a short, motivational parable with big applications.
The Go-Getter, an important and famous work, was written by Peter Bernard Kyne and first published in 1921. The story centres around disabled World War I veteran Bill Peck, a worker who must overcome many obstacles in order to build a successful life for himself. At every turn he is thwarted by life's circumstances and must rely on his own tenacity and wits to see him through.
Peck's left forearm has been amputated half way to the elbow and he walks with a slight limp; the result of a broken leg that was a long time mending, and now it's shorter than it really ought to be. Peck also developed pneumonia with influenza and T.B. indications were also found after that. He spent over a year in hospital recovering. But was he blue or discouraged?
"Oh, I got off easy. I have my head left - and my right arm. I can think and I can write, and even if one of my wheels is flat, I can hike longer and faster after an order than most."Peck approaches an old lumber yard company founder, Cappy Ricks, and asks for a job. Cappy gives him one and Peck proves to be a huge asset, securing a number of lumber orders for the company. He soon earns the opportunity to be considered for broader horizons and Cappy, wanting to ensure that Peck is ready to take on greater responsibility, decides to put him through the "Degree of the Blue Vase" or the Blue Vase Test. This is the test of the Go-Getter.
Peck is assigned the task of purchasing a particular blue vase from a certain market place. Cappy mentions he needs to gift it to a lady of acquaintance for her wedding anniversary and that getting that particular vase is of paramount importance. Cappy is to board a train at 8 pm and it is vital that Peck deliver the vase to him at the train station before he departs.
The enterprising Peck then promptly asks for a description of the blue vase to get clarity on his task.
"What sort of blue it is, how tall is it and what is, approximately, its greatest diameter? Does it set on a base, or does it not? Is it a solid blue, or is it figured?”Capper informs Peck that it is an old Dutch blue, with some Oriental flowers and birds on it.
The search for the blue vase begins, with Peck having 5 hours to secure it. He hunts everywhere for the vase and finally, after hours of tiresome walking, he sees it sitting in a shop window of a store called "B Cohen's Art Shop". But the store is closed! Peck immediately obtains a phone directory from a hotel and proceeds to call every "Cohen" in the book!
“In despair he changed a dollar into five cent pieces, sought a telephone booth and commenced calling up all the B. Cohens in San Francisco. Of the nineteen, four did not answer, three were temporarily disconnected, six replied in yiddish, five were not the B. Cohen he sought, and one swore he was Irish and that his name was spelled Cohan and pronounced with an accent on both syllables”.It was now six o'clock. Time was running out. Suddenly Peck had an inspiration. Was the store name spelled Cohen, Cohan, Cohn, or Coen? Peck makes his way back to the store to take another look at the sign. It reads "B. Cohns Art Shop". Cohn without the "e"! Furious with himself, Peck heads back to the hotel, obtains the phone directory and calls all B. Cohns. This time he is successful and he manages to track down the owner. However the owner is at a dinner and has no desire to come back to open the store for Peck. He suggests instead that Peck contact his head salesman, a Mr Herman Joost. Peck gets hold of Joost, but Joost can't meet Peek until nine o'clock, one hour after the train leaves with Cappy!
Without going into the remainder of this short story, I can definitely say that The Go-Getter offers timeless advice about meeting goals, learning from experience, asking the right questions, and tackling tough projects with unflagging zeal. Through fictionalizations that cut to the core of these issues, this book offers everyone the inspiration to tap resources and overcome roadblocks on the way to success.
The Go-Getter is a valuable source of motivation for those committed to success and looking for the inspiration to take them to the next level. It stands out as a wonderful example of how a short fictional tale can teach the lessons of life in a simple, to-the-point story. Without becoming too simplistic in its approach, this book still has much to offer today's Go-Getters.
December 11, 2012
For anyone who doesn't wish to buy the (audio)book, you can download this off librivox.org (volunteers who make public domain versions of audiobooks of books that have since passed into the public domain..) or the full text off Google books.
This was a very nice short story about tireless persistence and ingenuity with the primary character being a "disabled" veteran of WWI (contrasted with other lazy workers the bosses knew) who consistently beats the almost "impossible" odds stacked against him and always seems to have some backup plan.
Really wish I could say more, as I definitely enjoyed it. Despite being first published in 1921, almost seemed to have a strange intuition as if it could have been written after WWII as they have that quote (attributed to Patton) of how you should tell someone what needs to be done, but not insulting their intelligence by telling them how to do it. Maybe the borderline spoiler is that if a task seems odd and great, it's possible you're being groomed or simply tested for bigger and better possibilities.
This was a very nice short story about tireless persistence and ingenuity with the primary character being a "disabled" veteran of WWI (contrasted with other lazy workers the bosses knew) who consistently beats the almost "impossible" odds stacked against him and always seems to have some backup plan.
Really wish I could say more, as I definitely enjoyed it. Despite being first published in 1921, almost seemed to have a strange intuition as if it could have been written after WWII as they have that quote (attributed to Patton) of how you should tell someone what needs to be done, but not insulting their intelligence by telling them how to do it. Maybe the borderline spoiler is that if a task seems odd and great, it's possible you're being groomed or simply tested for bigger and better possibilities.
August 15, 2012
A very short parable (you can read it during your lunch hour) on how a young unemployed veteran is handed the opportunity to take his career to the top (if he succeeds) or go down in flames and ruin his career (if he fails). The book runs along the lines of the "Who Moved My Cheese" approach (though it was written in the 20's) of using a short story to explain a few very basic (though powerful) principles. This book really sums up the guiding principle of consulting: Even if you aren't sure you can do it, tell yourself that you can, figure out how to pull it off and execute (and don't give up). And above all...always go above and beyond what's expected - even if it's very painful to do so. A great little short story (though somewhat unrealistic - I don't know of any human being that would go to all of the trouble of the main character) that reminds us of what we can accomplish when our backs are against the wall and we never give up. The motto of the go-getter: It shall be done.
December 27, 2022
Muy buen mensaje... deberíamos tomarnos 15 min y leer este librito. Podemos lograr nuestros objetivos si somos perseverantes.
September 21, 2023
This is a parable about tenacity. Very quick read.
October 19, 2022
In the Novel The Go-Getter, by Peter B. Kyne the theme is being a goal achiever. There is lots of dialogue being used within two main characters and their companies. For example I like the dialogue being used on page 19, chapter 2. It states “Count that day lost whose low descending sun”. This quote relates to the theme of the story because it's a conversation of two main characters in which they try to motivate each other to their end goals. Although both characters can seem as competitors they still reflect the overall message of the novel. Within the story there were many obstacles faced. Such as false advertisements with one's company and displaying a bad view for the consumers. Furthermore, getting declined calls until one person saw potential in the company. As I learned by reading this novel by Peter B. Kyne, being a Go-Getter is not an easy or convenient thing to do. You must always have a positive attitude and perseverance towards achieving your end goal.
March 19, 2024
Бизнес сказка для взрослых достигатороа
February 19, 2016
I added this book when Chris Hogen on EntreLeadership Podcast was doing their "Must Read" segment early 2014. The premise is about doing what ever is needed to reach your goals.
This hour long audiobook is entertaining, but is difficult at first as it is written with very "old-school" language. This took a minute to get over and eventually made the story very pleasant.
The next/biggest problem I have with the story line is that it challenges the character's morality. Not to give away anything, but the character, if not stopped, would have made some immoral and illegal decisions to reach his goal, and the protagonist of the story would have been good with that. As much as I want to be a Go-Getter and have Go-Getters in my organization, immoral and illegal methods are not welcome.
I enjoy Mr. Ramsey's podcast and I understand that he preaches Go-Getter mentality, and I agree that the intention of this book is purely good, I just worry that the message new leaders will take away is - do what is needed whether moral or immoral; whether legal or illegal.
That major concern brought my rating from a 4-star to a 2-star.
This hour long audiobook is entertaining, but is difficult at first as it is written with very "old-school" language. This took a minute to get over and eventually made the story very pleasant.
The next/biggest problem I have with the story line is that it challenges the character's morality. Not to give away anything, but the character, if not stopped, would have made some immoral and illegal decisions to reach his goal, and the protagonist of the story would have been good with that. As much as I want to be a Go-Getter and have Go-Getters in my organization, immoral and illegal methods are not welcome.
I enjoy Mr. Ramsey's podcast and I understand that he preaches Go-Getter mentality, and I agree that the intention of this book is purely good, I just worry that the message new leaders will take away is - do what is needed whether moral or immoral; whether legal or illegal.
That major concern brought my rating from a 4-star to a 2-star.
November 13, 2022
If I was being very charitable, I would have to say that he was trying to demonstrate the rewards of hard work and faithfulness, but it just missed the mark. But it really bothered, annoyed, me. So instead, I going to describe it as a rather obnoxious little tale glorifying the company-man. The author chooses to place his hero in a company, or rather under a boss, that makes a completely unreasonable demands as loyalty tests. The ‘hero’ is more than willing to break into a business to fulfill said demand. And this is applauded. On top of the constant disparagement of faithful service, that was just too much. I wouldn’t recommend it.
March 9, 2014
I'm use to my mind wandering or falling asleep after 15-30min.....2hours later the book is done!
The Story Kept me engaged and wanting to hear what was next. Bill Peck Values something that I feel has been watered down and lost its value over the years, His Word. One man at a time we can Build Strength into Our Word so the Phrase "My Word Is My Bond" and the Value it Brings can Mean something once more! Starting with Me! I Commit to Myself, I Give My WORD to Myself to Become a Go Getter For Myself For The Next Generations. #Commit2Urself
The Story Kept me engaged and wanting to hear what was next. Bill Peck Values something that I feel has been watered down and lost its value over the years, His Word. One man at a time we can Build Strength into Our Word so the Phrase "My Word Is My Bond" and the Value it Brings can Mean something once more! Starting with Me! I Commit to Myself, I Give My WORD to Myself to Become a Go Getter For Myself For The Next Generations. #Commit2Urself
April 12, 2020
Sice je to jen útlá knížečka, ale hodně toho napoví o správném postoji v životě.
July 7, 2017
This is a wonderful short about the story of a go-getter. Peck a war veteran demonstrates the qualities of a go-getter. What you have here is a war veteran with an amputated leg and hand. Yet, with singular focus and determination he manages to get his job done. Many people might read this and think, this is just silly, but I believe it's a matter of perspective. You can read it and each person will learn something based on his own flaws.This book written in 1920 taught me a few things:
- The motto, "It shall be done, sir."
-Discipline
-Go above and beyond what is asked
-Persistence
- Never refuse
-Take every opportunity
-Never say "It can't be done."
- The motto, "It shall be done, sir."
-Discipline
-Go above and beyond what is asked
-Persistence
- Never refuse
-Take every opportunity
-Never say "It can't be done."
June 21, 2022
If you are trying to start getting into the habit of reading, this is a great option. Fun, interesting and full of life lessons that will stick with you. I specially love to read books written in a different era because of the unique expressions they teach. English is not my first language so I learnt quite a few big words here. Highly recommend.
September 21, 2023
A interesting short story. It describes the type of individual who is willing to make the impossible - probable. I think the best thing you can take away from this story is to seek out your "blue vase" and see how far you're willing to go to get it.
June 7, 2017
Short book - can easily be read in one sitting - but powerfully inspirational. Get this book on your shelf and read it often!
January 24, 2019
Nice novelette that will motivate those in sales or seeking achievement.
April 26, 2019
One hour read or less. Every young person needs to read this.
January 13, 2022
An easy, fun, and fast read with much advice to give, I recommend!
Read
December 25, 2023My dad loves this book and wanted me to read it (I guess he used to make all of my siblings read it but I slipped under the rug). It’s a short story but has a good message.
September 18, 2012
My workplace gave all employees a copy of The Go Getter and encouraged us to read the book and to come up with our own "Blue Vase." There was also apparently a short story by P.G. Wodehouse of the same name and so to avoid confusion I found a couple of places that referenced this book by Kyne as Winning the Blue Vase. Other versions add the (original?) subtitle "A Story that Tells You how to Be One."
The book is a very short read (only about 70 pages) and our edition came with an afterword of another ~15 pages of commentary. The story is a parable/fable like tale. It tells the story of war veteran William "Bill" Peck and his efforts to get a job at a Logging & Lumber Company. The company is owned by "Cappy" Ricks but Cappy has delegated out normal management roles to two vice presidents. The book was written and is set in the time immediately following World War One.
The book begins with Cappy berating his acting upper management team for their poor choices and their inability to find worthwhile employees. Shortly after that, Peck arrives on the scene asking Cappy for a job. However, he does more than just "ask" for a job. He comes to Cappy without an appointment and basically tells Cappy that Peck is the man for whatever job Cappy wants to throw at him. There are other details as well (Peck had already talked with the other vice-presidents and been turned down, he had a great working knowledge of Cappy's business, etc.) but the short of it is that Cappy is very intrigued by Peck and gives him a chance. However, at the same time, he makes the job as difficult as possible by giving Peck what is considered (as I understood it) the worst sales assignment in the company.
I don't want to go through the whole plot with you (it's a short book…and it seems to be in the public domain if you want to read it online for free). But I will say what you've already guessed from the title of the book…Peck continues to impress Cappy and goes on to impress the other vice presidents. At which point, Cappy gives him "the test of the blue vase." The test is a simple personal task that Cappy asks Peck to do, namely to go and purchase a blue vase from a shop window and bring it to Cappy. However Cappy throws all sorts of obstacles in the way to test Peck's ingenuity and resolve.
The story is a cute little tale and it does include a number of quippy little comments that can be used as motivational blurbs. The afterward in my edition expounds on the concepts of the book in case you failed to make the leap from the fiction of the story to the moral and practical lesson it's trying to teach. The actual lesson being taught is actually fairly simple and straightforward on paper. It basically involves setting your eye on the prize and doing whatever it takes to get there. In addition it's the idea that you should go above and beyond just the status quo…that you should attempt to exceed expectations, not simply meet them (or worse, fail to meet them). When given an assignment, you should give it your all and do the best you can without excuses. When you see an opportunity, you should leap at the chance to stretch and grow even if it's outside your comfort zone or expertise.
Bottom line (as I take it) you should not "settle", you should not "coast." Life should always consist of your best effort, your best talent, your best energy. There will always be obstacles, sometimes more than others. Bill Peck's motto (as taught him by his general in the war) was "it shall be done." Even if he'd never done it before or if nobody had ever done it before, he always went into a task that he could and would finish the task and no matter the obstacles, he continued trying to find a way to complete the task even when others may have given up. He continued after the blue vase even when everything was against him and his allotted time was up. And eventually, he succeeded.
This is a fun little read and I can see the reason that employers might want their employees to read it. It's definitely a simple read with a simple message, but it's a worthwhile message.
***
3 out of 5 stars
The book is a very short read (only about 70 pages) and our edition came with an afterword of another ~15 pages of commentary. The story is a parable/fable like tale. It tells the story of war veteran William "Bill" Peck and his efforts to get a job at a Logging & Lumber Company. The company is owned by "Cappy" Ricks but Cappy has delegated out normal management roles to two vice presidents. The book was written and is set in the time immediately following World War One.
The book begins with Cappy berating his acting upper management team for their poor choices and their inability to find worthwhile employees. Shortly after that, Peck arrives on the scene asking Cappy for a job. However, he does more than just "ask" for a job. He comes to Cappy without an appointment and basically tells Cappy that Peck is the man for whatever job Cappy wants to throw at him. There are other details as well (Peck had already talked with the other vice-presidents and been turned down, he had a great working knowledge of Cappy's business, etc.) but the short of it is that Cappy is very intrigued by Peck and gives him a chance. However, at the same time, he makes the job as difficult as possible by giving Peck what is considered (as I understood it) the worst sales assignment in the company.
I don't want to go through the whole plot with you (it's a short book…and it seems to be in the public domain if you want to read it online for free). But I will say what you've already guessed from the title of the book…Peck continues to impress Cappy and goes on to impress the other vice presidents. At which point, Cappy gives him "the test of the blue vase." The test is a simple personal task that Cappy asks Peck to do, namely to go and purchase a blue vase from a shop window and bring it to Cappy. However Cappy throws all sorts of obstacles in the way to test Peck's ingenuity and resolve.
The story is a cute little tale and it does include a number of quippy little comments that can be used as motivational blurbs. The afterward in my edition expounds on the concepts of the book in case you failed to make the leap from the fiction of the story to the moral and practical lesson it's trying to teach. The actual lesson being taught is actually fairly simple and straightforward on paper. It basically involves setting your eye on the prize and doing whatever it takes to get there. In addition it's the idea that you should go above and beyond just the status quo…that you should attempt to exceed expectations, not simply meet them (or worse, fail to meet them). When given an assignment, you should give it your all and do the best you can without excuses. When you see an opportunity, you should leap at the chance to stretch and grow even if it's outside your comfort zone or expertise.
Bottom line (as I take it) you should not "settle", you should not "coast." Life should always consist of your best effort, your best talent, your best energy. There will always be obstacles, sometimes more than others. Bill Peck's motto (as taught him by his general in the war) was "it shall be done." Even if he'd never done it before or if nobody had ever done it before, he always went into a task that he could and would finish the task and no matter the obstacles, he continued trying to find a way to complete the task even when others may have given up. He continued after the blue vase even when everything was against him and his allotted time was up. And eventually, he succeeded.
This is a fun little read and I can see the reason that employers might want their employees to read it. It's definitely a simple read with a simple message, but it's a worthwhile message.
***
3 out of 5 stars
March 30, 2015
Written in the 1920s, when the business of America was business, this reprint tells a story of how a handicapped man used his "go-getter" attitude to overcome the odds. Now in this new century, companies are handing this book out to employees to bring back the old work ethic.
A WWI veteran asks an eminent company executive for a job. In order to get that precious position, the disabled man must pass the Blue Vase Test (which means he has to find this object and deliver it at a certain time). As the reader soon discovers, the task is not as easy as it sounds.
It's a very short book, the message is very simple, and it doesn't take long to read. It's all about loyalty to the task and the organization. For me, the book was okay. It might work better on youngsters just getting into the workforce.
Book Season = Year Round (sir, yes sir)
A WWI veteran asks an eminent company executive for a job. In order to get that precious position, the disabled man must pass the Blue Vase Test (which means he has to find this object and deliver it at a certain time). As the reader soon discovers, the task is not as easy as it sounds.
It's a very short book, the message is very simple, and it doesn't take long to read. It's all about loyalty to the task and the organization. For me, the book was okay. It might work better on youngsters just getting into the workforce.
Book Season = Year Round (sir, yes sir)
December 29, 2018
If you're looking for a 'rags to riches' kind of story, check some place else. This is pretty straight forward and written for the well-read or the not-so-well-read. The story is very similar to The Devil Wears Prada, which I found amusing. I'd recommend this to any person wanting to do better at a current job or get a new job.
October 29, 2016
A quick read about getting the job done. It tells the story of a veteran who wants a job with a lumber company and his resolve to get the job. When he gets the job, unbeknownst to him. he is put to a test . The story continues with his resolve to finish the task.
June 13, 2012
Are you a Go-Getter? This quick read lets you know what it means to be one.
September 12, 2015
This is a good story about the willingness to grab what you're dreaming of and the rewards that come.
January 31, 2016
One sentence review: Do not miss this book because it is going to change your life!
December 31, 2021
Focus and a can-do attitude are the subjects of this 1921 parable written by Peter Kyne. While the author did not set out to write about business or success, the short read offers good lessons on how to become a go-getter in life and work.
The book is one that radio host and author Dave Ramsey recommends – which piqued the interest of Watson Engineering marketing assistant Ashlyn Watson.
Go-Getter begins with business owner Cappy Ricks lamenting the lack of initiative among some of his employees. While he’s talking, William Peck enters the office in search of a job. The disabled World War I veteran has faced rejection by other business owners and even Cappy Rick’s staff. Impressed by his positive attitude and persistence, Mr. Ricks offers Peck a job. The story follows how Peck is given increasingly challenging sales assignments, each time overcoming multiple obstacles with a positive attitude and perseverance.
When Cappy Ricks asks the vet how he developed his go-getter attitude, Peck recounts his war experiences and the severe injuries he incurred. While in the hospital and wondering whether he could go on, Peck remembers his brigade motto “It Shall Be Done.” No matter the roadblock, the words have empowered Peck to find a way to meet any challenge.
The term “go-getter” was a new one to Ashlyn and the book helped her recognize how the impossible can be possible when we have focus and tenacity. “It taught me that even when there are obstacles, there are ways you can overcome them,” she says. “While some may get discouraged when they encounter roadblocks along their way, those who are successful know they’ll encounter setbacks in anything worthwhile to pursue.”
Ashlyn highlights three takeaways from her reading:
You will have obstacles and challenges in your life, but you can get through them by adapting, evolving, and finding a way to succeed.
When it comes to obstacles, there are quitters and go-getters.
Age, experience, or appearance do not matter. What matters are the results you get from your work.
While the book is close to 100 years old, it’s still one many have been drawn to read. Ashlyn believes any entrepreneur would enjoy the book, even a teenager or young adult.
The book is a great reminder of what being a go-getter is all about. “When it comes to hiring, you want someone who won’t give up when things get hard,” explains Ashlyn. She’s right.
Read the book and you’ll find yourself challenged to step up your game and give more effort when given an opportunity. And if you’re unsure whether you can succeed, summon the determination and remind yourself “it shall be done.”
The book is one that radio host and author Dave Ramsey recommends – which piqued the interest of Watson Engineering marketing assistant Ashlyn Watson.
Go-Getter begins with business owner Cappy Ricks lamenting the lack of initiative among some of his employees. While he’s talking, William Peck enters the office in search of a job. The disabled World War I veteran has faced rejection by other business owners and even Cappy Rick’s staff. Impressed by his positive attitude and persistence, Mr. Ricks offers Peck a job. The story follows how Peck is given increasingly challenging sales assignments, each time overcoming multiple obstacles with a positive attitude and perseverance.
When Cappy Ricks asks the vet how he developed his go-getter attitude, Peck recounts his war experiences and the severe injuries he incurred. While in the hospital and wondering whether he could go on, Peck remembers his brigade motto “It Shall Be Done.” No matter the roadblock, the words have empowered Peck to find a way to meet any challenge.
The term “go-getter” was a new one to Ashlyn and the book helped her recognize how the impossible can be possible when we have focus and tenacity. “It taught me that even when there are obstacles, there are ways you can overcome them,” she says. “While some may get discouraged when they encounter roadblocks along their way, those who are successful know they’ll encounter setbacks in anything worthwhile to pursue.”
Ashlyn highlights three takeaways from her reading:
You will have obstacles and challenges in your life, but you can get through them by adapting, evolving, and finding a way to succeed.
When it comes to obstacles, there are quitters and go-getters.
Age, experience, or appearance do not matter. What matters are the results you get from your work.
While the book is close to 100 years old, it’s still one many have been drawn to read. Ashlyn believes any entrepreneur would enjoy the book, even a teenager or young adult.
The book is a great reminder of what being a go-getter is all about. “When it comes to hiring, you want someone who won’t give up when things get hard,” explains Ashlyn. She’s right.
Read the book and you’ll find yourself challenged to step up your game and give more effort when given an opportunity. And if you’re unsure whether you can succeed, summon the determination and remind yourself “it shall be done.”
September 13, 2023
A simple short story about a can-do attitude: it gets three stars since while it may have been good in the 1920s, reading now feels tone deaf since you can't hard work your way out of the modern systemic issues we face today (and some might regard Cappy and Skinner’s task for the disabled war veteran as pointless and deceitful to the point of cruelty, the ending nearly made me roll my eyes like come on). Regardless, a go-getter attitude and the ability to face failure head-on are always beneficial (even if the book is a hit or miss).
Context:
- The author, Peter B. Kyne, was born the son of a hard-working rancher; he became a successful businessman and prolific writer. Written and set in the so-called Roaring Twenties – a prosperous interval between World War I and the Great Depression – his short story reflects its time and the beating heart of industrial America.
Takeaways:
- In these indolent times of instant gratification, easy-ways-out, and armchair socialism, too many people want the reward without putting in the effort.
- With Peck’s apparent disabilities, you get one of the story’s first major themes: perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. (aka, A wounded leg and a missing arm)
- Which raises the question: What’s your excuse? No matter what life throws at you, or what injustices you face, if you have a good attitude and visualise your success, you can achieve anything.
- Hard work and dedication are always rewarded. If you believe this, you’ll always get what you deserve.
- If you’re a leader, you need to do more than simply demand this effort from your team. You need to lead by example.
- The blue vase is more than just a blue vase - It symbolizes the seemingly unattainable. The ultimate goal of our ambitions and efforts – the thing we want but cannot get.
Context:
- The author, Peter B. Kyne, was born the son of a hard-working rancher; he became a successful businessman and prolific writer. Written and set in the so-called Roaring Twenties – a prosperous interval between World War I and the Great Depression – his short story reflects its time and the beating heart of industrial America.
Takeaways:
- In these indolent times of instant gratification, easy-ways-out, and armchair socialism, too many people want the reward without putting in the effort.
- With Peck’s apparent disabilities, you get one of the story’s first major themes: perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. (aka, A wounded leg and a missing arm)
- Which raises the question: What’s your excuse? No matter what life throws at you, or what injustices you face, if you have a good attitude and visualise your success, you can achieve anything.
- Hard work and dedication are always rewarded. If you believe this, you’ll always get what you deserve.
- If you’re a leader, you need to do more than simply demand this effort from your team. You need to lead by example.
- The blue vase is more than just a blue vase - It symbolizes the seemingly unattainable. The ultimate goal of our ambitions and efforts – the thing we want but cannot get.
January 8, 2021
A quick One hour read. A fictionalised way of narrating a story to why not to give up? Must read once and "It shall be done."
Excerpts
#1. Courage over experience
What do you think of Andrews for that Shanghai job?
"I think he'll do."
Why do you think he'll do?
"Because he ought to do. He's been with us long enough to have acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to enable him..."
Has he acquired the COURAGE to tackle the job, Matt? He interrupted. That's more important than this doggoned experience you and Skinner prate so much about.
#2.
The commanding general's request is always tantamount to an order.
#3.
An organisation is what it's commanding officer is---neither better nor worse.
#4.
The first is to hear "YES" and the second rule is "Don't take that YES for granted. Every YES is an opportunity not a gift."
#5.
When a salesman conveys genuine excitement for a product---perhaps simply because he/she has found the hook that will get someone else interested in it---it's infectious.
#6.
Don't let yourself caught up in a charge to action without getting the relevant facts that can spell the difference between success and failure, especially when stakes are high.
#7.
Persistence doesn't meet anything if you don't exhaust 100% of the possibilities on your way to meeting a challenge.
#8.
At some point, you'll be faced with a situation in which no amount of history or belief will get you through: you'll be on your own. To do so, you will have to trust that those around you aren't acting vindictively, jealously, or judgementally; usually, in fact, they're just doing their jobs. If you prove that you deserved that trust, you'll most likely to have it the next time you ask for it.
#9.
It shall be done.
Excerpts
#1. Courage over experience
What do you think of Andrews for that Shanghai job?
"I think he'll do."
Why do you think he'll do?
"Because he ought to do. He's been with us long enough to have acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to enable him..."
Has he acquired the COURAGE to tackle the job, Matt? He interrupted. That's more important than this doggoned experience you and Skinner prate so much about.
#2.
The commanding general's request is always tantamount to an order.
#3.
An organisation is what it's commanding officer is---neither better nor worse.
#4.
The first is to hear "YES" and the second rule is "Don't take that YES for granted. Every YES is an opportunity not a gift."
#5.
When a salesman conveys genuine excitement for a product---perhaps simply because he/she has found the hook that will get someone else interested in it---it's infectious.
#6.
Don't let yourself caught up in a charge to action without getting the relevant facts that can spell the difference between success and failure, especially when stakes are high.
#7.
Persistence doesn't meet anything if you don't exhaust 100% of the possibilities on your way to meeting a challenge.
#8.
At some point, you'll be faced with a situation in which no amount of history or belief will get you through: you'll be on your own. To do so, you will have to trust that those around you aren't acting vindictively, jealously, or judgementally; usually, in fact, they're just doing their jobs. If you prove that you deserved that trust, you'll most likely to have it the next time you ask for it.
#9.
It shall be done.
January 28, 2020
Two and a half stars rounded up to three.
I read this of-and-on after receiving it in our book club's Christmas book exchange. I finished it before our group's meeting in January. I had hoped to talk about it with person who gave the book to our exchange. SASHA - I have questions!
While reading it, I thought it was set after WW II but it was first published in 1920 and the setting is post-WW I.
I looked for but couldn't find the copyright date or publication date on my copy. FYI, there are SIX PAGES of various editions of this book on Goodreads.
This was a quirky book and the best part IMO was the blue vase "quest/mission".
It took a while to get into it but I think the book would lend itself to an interesting discussion. I've passed it on to another person in our group and curious to hear her opinion.
FYI - there is a free Kindle version of this book, along with some other books by the author, including a few with Cappy Ricks in the title (Cappy is one of the main characters in The Go-Getter.)
The Go-Getter A Story That Tells You How to be One
Cappy Ricks Retires
Cappy Ricks Or, the Subjugation of Matt Peasley
I read this of-and-on after receiving it in our book club's Christmas book exchange. I finished it before our group's meeting in January. I had hoped to talk about it with person who gave the book to our exchange. SASHA - I have questions!
While reading it, I thought it was set after WW II but it was first published in 1920 and the setting is post-WW I.
I looked for but couldn't find the copyright date or publication date on my copy. FYI, there are SIX PAGES of various editions of this book on Goodreads.
This was a quirky book and the best part IMO was the blue vase "quest/mission".
It took a while to get into it but I think the book would lend itself to an interesting discussion. I've passed it on to another person in our group and curious to hear her opinion.
FYI - there is a free Kindle version of this book, along with some other books by the author, including a few with Cappy Ricks in the title (Cappy is one of the main characters in The Go-Getter.)
The Go-Getter A Story That Tells You How to be One
Cappy Ricks Retires
Cappy Ricks Or, the Subjugation of Matt Peasley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews