My mind is on Disney today, mostly because that’s where my body is. I’m in Florida, visiting the Magic Kingdom, the most popular theme park in the world.

Watching the level of service and the care taken in every area of the operation, I began researching the history of Disney and came across this fact:

Walt Disney, creator of the empire, originally sought to place Disneyland in Burbank, Calif. And Burbank turned him down!

Today marks Day 13 of a multi-media seminar on “How to Do the Impossible.” Dr. Rob Gilbert shares his incredible supply of motivational stories on his daily Success Hotline at (973) 743-4690. And I’m blogging here at Total Game Plan, writing from a hotel in Disney World.

After being rejected by Burbank, Walt Disney never flinched. He found another site in Anaheim, Calif., where it remains today.

In getting a door slammed in his face, Disney ranks with so many other greats who were turned down: Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Stephen King and the Beatles.

They all tried again, not letting rejection stop them.

Two points here:

First, if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t make your sales calls, the answer is no. If you never approach that person you’d love to date, the answer is no. If you don’t apply to the college of your choice, the answer is no.

Second, if you do ask and get rejected, keep trying. If you’re tempted to quit, just remember Walt Disney and Burbank.

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Thank you for visiting Total Game Plan. If your team, group or business needs a motivational speaker, please email coachtully @ totalgameplan.com. Here are some other resources for your success:

“Think Better, Win More!” will give you a mental game to match your physical game.

To get better at anything, check out “The Improvement Factor: How Winners Turn Practice into Success.”

Need some motivation? Everyone needs it now and then. Open any page of “Thank God You’re Lazy! The Instant Cure for What’s Holding You Back” for a story or a quote to lift your spirits.

Are you a teacher, boss or sports coach? Here’s “Ten Things Great Coaches Know” by Mike Tully and Gary Pritchard.