PiXL Pearls Unintended Opportunities
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Dec 21, 2025 Discover the fascinating tale of how an 11-year-old girl’s letter inspired Abraham Lincoln to grow his iconic beard, sparking unintended consequences for a printing business. Learn how Milton Bradley turned a setback into success by reinventing himself and creating The Game of Life. This narrative reveals the importance of reframing challenges into opportunities and provides practical steps for leaders on how to adapt and thrive in uncertain circumstances. Tune in for insights into resilience and transformation!
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Beard Sank A Printing Business
- Milton Bradley's lithography business collapsed when Abraham Lincoln grew a beard after an 11-year-old's letter, making Bradley's prints obsolete.
- Bradley burned his remaining stock and faced financial ruin before reinventing his career.
A Game Built From Ruin
- In despair, Milton Bradley and his friend adapted an imported game into the Chequered Game of Life overnight.
- The game sold out quickly and by 1861 he had sold 45,000 copies, saving his livelihood.
Turn Bitter Into Better
- Rachel Johnson urges turning setbacks into reinvention rather than bitterness.
- She argues that adversity can prompt creative reinvention and personal growth.