In 2011, while searching for his own path in life, Tran Tien Cong set an ambitious goal: one day, he would become a co-author of a book with Jack Canfield, the creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul. More than a decade later, that dream has become a reality.
On the morning of June 9 in Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of FAHASA – Ho Chi Minh City Book Distribution Corporation (1976–2026), FAHASA organized a special meet-and-greet and book launch event for Living Truth. The program also provided readers with a valuable opportunity to meet and engage directly with author Tran Tien Cong.
During the event, readers and guests listened to the inspiring story of how he turned a 15-year dream into reality. Through his journey, powerful messages about vision, faith, and the pursuit of a positive and purposeful life were shared, encouraging individuals to overcome challenges with confidence and strive toward success.
Author Tran Tien Cong on Overcoming Fear to Achieve Success
Speaking with readers about his motivation for writing Living Truth, author Tran Tien Cong shared that between 2008 and 2011, the two books that had the greatest impact on his life were Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins and The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.
“I read them every day and consistently applied their principles to my own life,” he said.
According to the author, collaborating with Jack Canfield and many successful entrepreneurs from around the world during the creation of Living Truth provided him with profound lessons about determination, belief, and perseverance in pursuing meaningful goals.
Despite enjoying a stable life as a petroleum engineer and having a happy family, Tran Tien Cong admitted that he had often struggled with invisible fears. He is also widely recognized as one of the pioneers who helped lay the foundation for the coaching profession in Vietnam.
“Everyone thought I had a perfect life, but whenever I was alone, my fears would resurface. Although I always appeared cheerful and optimistic on the outside, I still carried my own insecurities within,” he shared.
It was from this realization that Tran Tien Cong began transforming himself through reading, sports, and community involvement. These experiences helped him build confidence, become more proactive, and gradually overcome the limitations created by fear.
Having dreamed of becoming a teacher since the age of 18, Tran Tien Cong eventually took a different path after failing to gain admission to Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and enrolling instead at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. After graduation, he began a stable career as a petroleum engineer in Vung Tau.
“I consider myself fortunate to have received many blessings in life. Although I did not pursue teaching as I had originally hoped, I have always felt fulfilled. As long as you have faith, passion, and the perseverance to pursue your goals, what you are waiting for will eventually come,” he shared.
Addressing young people, the author emphasized that fear and excitement often coexist in life. By learning from and surrounding themselves with people who are more experienced and accomplished, individuals can find the motivation to push beyond their limits and transform fear into a source of strength on the journey toward success.
For more details, please refer to: From a 15-Year Dream to Co-Authoring a Book with Jack Canfield
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