Book excerpt: The greatest lessons in life come not from books, but from life itself. Problems and pain serve as some of the greatest professors to us all. Important lessons are gleaned from loss, sorrow, and brokenness. In this book, you will be granted an education by means of ten important lessons whose lessons span from how to recognize opportunity to the importance of building and leaving a legacy. At the end of each chapter, a set of reflection questions are provided to allow readers to reflect and build on their own experiences. The purpose of all ten lessons is to expand your heart and mind so you will be better able to follow your dreams and establish goals that will lead to a brighter future. There is only one pathway to greatness: through The School of Hard Knocks.