The Legacy of Paul J. Meyer - Waco Success

By: jwilder, 10/24/2023

Who would have guessed that Waco was the home base of one of the most influential people in the leadership and self improvement industry, whose first customer was Zig Ziglar, and also helped start the leadership growth path of John Maxwell. We are talking about Paul J. Meyer, the founder of Success Motivation Institute.

Paul J. Meyer was a renowned motivational success speaker and self-help author who made a significant impact on the personal development industry.

Born on September May 21, 1928, in San Mateo, California, he dedicated his life to inspiring and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

His parents were strong influences and gave Paul the foundational values of hard work and perseverance, values he would later impart to countless individuals seeking personal and professional growth.

Meyer's journey to success was marked by resilience and determination. Meyer faced numerous challenges and setbacks. In his twenties, Meyer owned a successful insurance agency. However he found out his partner had diverted funds and put the agency in risk of bankruptcy. Rather than closing the business, he used the experience to fuel his determination to succeed, and he did. He paid all his debts and brought the business back to profitability.

Paul's ability to achieve the seemingly impossible and motivate others to attempt the same led him to take a leap and change direction.

In 1960, at age 32, Meyer founded Success Motivation Institute, Inc. in Waco, Texas. With Paul's sales and marketing skills, he grew the business to become a global personal development and training company, and rebranded as SMI. Through SMI, he introduced innovative programs, workshops, and resources designed to help individuals set and achieve their goals, enhance their communication skills, and develop a positive mindset. His teachings emphasized the importance of goal setting, time management, and continuous self-improvement.

Paul J. Meyer's empowering belief was summed up in this quote:

"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass."

Meyer authored several influential books, including "Unlocking Your Legacy: 25 Keys for Success," "I Inherited a Fortune!" and "Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul." His writings resonated with a wide audience and provided practical advice for personal and professional growth.

Over the years, Paul J. Meyer's impact as a motivational speaker and author extended far beyond the United States. He traveled the world, delivering inspiring talks and seminars that encouraged people to take control of their lives and fulfill their dreams. His charismatic and relatable style made him a beloved figure in the self-help and motivational speaking community.

Paul J. Meyer's guiding mission was summed up in John Wesley’s creed:

"To do all the good I can, for as many people as I can, in as many ways as I can, for as long as I can."

In 1984, the Paul and Jane Meyer Family Foundation was established and has donated more than $65 Million, mostly to Waco, TX area charities and organizations such as Baylor University, Boy Scouts of America and many other causes.

He passed away on March 27, 2009, but his principles and teachings remain relevant and continue to inspire individuals on their journeys to success and self-improvement.

Paul's wife Jane Meyer continued the work of their charitable foundation. Jane Meyer passed away on August 21, 2021 at age 81.

Paul J. Meyer is included in the Success Masters Hall of Fame.

James Wilder

I write about success principles and practices that help dreamers take action and achieve their goals! I believe that success is for anyone that truly desires it.

Join me on the success journey! Subscribe to my weekly Keys to Personal Success email and gain momentum in the right direction! Sign up here: James On Success.