Today we’d like to introduce you to Leighton Campbell.
Hi Leighton, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During the hardest time of COVID, my kids struggled emotionally. I wanted to help them feel happier, but I didn’t want to give a big lecture. So I said, “Let’s make an equation to measure happiness.” I wanted them to think about what makes people happy. Even though they were little, they had great ideas.
That talk made me want to learn more. I started reading, studying, and sharing the idea with other professionals. Over time, I made changes to the equation to make it better. Many people told me thinking about these ideas made them emotional. After hearing that again and again, I knew I needed to share it with more people. That’s when I started writing my book, Your Happiness Equation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been smooth at times. At other times, it has had obstacles. In the hardest moments, there has been no road, just a huge impassible crater. To make things more difficult, I could look across the crater and see others enjoying the success I so deeply desired.
My first book was rejected by over 30 publishers and even more literary agents. I didn’t want to experience that with my second book. I bypassed this part of the process. My goal was to make Your Happiness Equation a success without them, in hopes they’d later pick it up or they’d be more open to working with me on future projects.
Escaping rejection isn’t possible as an independent author. Although, I didn’t give the literary establishment the chance to destroy my ego, a different and more intimate group gave it their best shot. I tried to get prominent people to write an endorsement of my book before it was available to the public. I sent it to over 100 people, all of which I admired. Most didn’t respond. The rest said no. I felt history may be repeating itself.
Rejection came in many other forms too. Some podcasters and other media outlets refused to interview me. Some people didn’t want to buy or read my book. Others wouldn’t write me an Amazon review. I’ve also been turned down as a speaker at events.
Fortunately, many other people said yes! I had a very successful presale. I became an Amazon Bestselling Author. I’ve been on over 50 podcasts and had other media appearances (some of which are the largest and most influential outlets in the country). I’ve also won international and national literary awards. I’ve recently spoken at several corporate events.
Beyond all of those accolades, the best part of this project is when readers say my book made a positive impact on their life. Some of their stories have been very emotional and brought tears to my eyes. This makes all the sacrifices and rejections worth it.
So yes, many obstacles but many success too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an independent author. My latest book is Your Happiness Equation. I’m most proud readers saying my book changed their life.
I don’t believe anything sets me apart from others. I was dealt a certain hand of cards in life and I’ve played them. I feel I can learn from almost anyone, from a Fortune 500 CEO to a homeless person in a 3rd world country. In fact, I have learned from people like this and many others at different stages in life. My takeaway is that we are more alike than we are different and generally speaking, people are good.
I try to be a person that people can also learn from. I try to see the humanity in everyone. I try to be good. So basically, in a crowd of people, you wouldn’t notice me.
What matters most to you?
Bringing order to chaos. I believe this is the God-ordained meaning of life. I feel we are to find things that are in chaos and bring them to order.
My family has generations of disfunction. I’ve tried (imperfectly) to do better with my immediate family than my grandfather and father did with theirs. As, I near my 50th birthday, I’d say I’m on the right track. This is so important to me that I will be vigilant until my last breath.
This project has also made me think of a concept called the “chain of causality.” I want to have a huge positive impact on humanity. At the same time, I don’t think anyone will remember me in 100 years. However, I hope I inspire someone that inspires someone else, and so on–ultimately, a person in the chain goes on to cure cancer, develop warp technology, or write the most impactful novel in human history. I don’t think I’ll have a direct link to this person. Again, I may be long forgotten but if my life’s work—my children, my creations, my character—contributes even one link to that chain, that would be profoundly meaningful to me.
Pricing:
- Amazon Hardcover $24.99
- Amazon Paperback $8.67
- Amazon Kindle $8.67
- Amazon Audiobook $13.08
- Prices subject to change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yourhappinessEQ.com
- Instagram: @yourhappinessEQ
- Facebook: @yourhappinessEQ
- Twitter: @yourhappinessEQ
- Youtube: @yourhappinessEQ
