Mark Victor Hansen

Mark Victor Hansen – Life, Career, and Impact

: Explore the inspiring journey of Mark Victor Hansen—co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul—covering his early life, writing and speaking career, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Mark Victor Hansen (born January 8, 1948) is an American motivational speaker, trainer, and author best known as the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. His work focuses on personal growth, goal setting, entrepreneurship, and encouraging people to share stories that uplift. Over decades, Hansen has sold hundreds of millions of books worldwide and influenced the self-help and inspirational genre.

Early Life and Family

Mark Victor Hansen was born in Waukegan, Illinois, to Danish immigrant parents, Una and Paul Hansen. He grew up in a middle-class environment and was influenced by his parents’ immigrant background, which helped shape his outlook on opportunity, work ethic, and perseverance.

He attended Southern Illinois University, from which he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. in speech communications. His early education and training in communications provided a foundation for his later work as a speaker and writer.

Career and Achievements

Chicken Soup for the Soul and Breakthrough

Hansen’s most significant achievement is co-creating the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series (with Jack Canfield). Time magazine described it as “the publishing phenomenon of the decade.” The first volume reportedly sold more than 2 million copies, and cumulatively the franchise has sold over 500 million copies in more than 100 licensed products and in many languages.

The idea behind Chicken Soup was simple: a collection of short, often true, inspirational stories—stories that provide warmth, hope, encouragement, and connection. Hansen believed in the power of stories to heal, uplift, and bring people together.

Expansion, Speaking, and Other Works

Beyond Chicken Soup, Hansen has authored or co-authored many motivational and business books. Notably:

• The One Minute Millionaire (with Robert G. Allen)

• Cracking the Millionaire Code (2005) with Robert Allen

• How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life (with Art Linkletter)

• Cash in a Flash (with Robert Allen)

Hansen is also a well-known public speaker, trainer, and media personality. He has appeared on Oprah, CNN, and The Today Show, and featured in major media outlets like Time, USA Today, The New York Times, and U.S. News & World Report.

Recognition and Philanthropy

Hansen’s work has earned him several honors:

• He was inducted into the Sales & Marketing Executive International’s Hall of Fame, receiving the Ambassador of Free Enterprise award.

• In 2000, he received the Horatio Alger Award, recognizing individuals who exemplify the virtues of perseverance and initiative.

• Northwood University named him the Outstanding Business Leader of the Year in 2000.

• The University of Toledo awarded him an Honorary PhD in Business Administration and established the Mark Victor Hansen Entrepreneurial Excellence Fund.

In terms of philanthropy, Hansen supports organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Operation Smile, Covenant House, and educational scholarships (e.g. Horatio Alger Scholarships).

Legacy and Influence

Hansen’s legacy centers on the power of personal narrative, generosity, and self-belief:

• Storytelling as healing: He popularized the idea that sharing personal stories can connect, comfort, and transform both storyteller and reader.

• Accessible inspiration: His writing style is grounded, optimistic, and direct—aimed at a broad audience rather than academic or elite readership.

• Empowerment through small action: He emphasizes that consistent action, however small, matters—and that taking steps begins change.

• Entrepreneurial mindset in self-help: His books often blend motivational ideas with principles of business, goal setting, and financial thinking.

• Influence on the genre: Many authors, speakers, and coaches cite Hansen’s approach and Chicken Soup model as foundational in modern inspirational media.

Personality, Style & Approach

Hansen’s demeanor in public life is warm, encouraging, and straightforward. In his work he often speaks from personal anecdotes, blending personal vulnerability with motivational lessons. His style reflects:

• Optimism and possibility mindset: He frequently encourages readers to expect good, act boldly, and step forward even when conditions aren’t perfect.

• Practicality: Many of his strategies are pragmatic—writing down goals, visualizing, consistent effort, taking action.

• Generosity: He emphasizes giving—of stories, attention, value—believing that giving circles back.

• Focus on mindset: A hallmark of his message is internal transformation: what we believe and imagine shapes our external outcomes.

Famous Quotes by Mark Victor Hansen

Here are several memorable and representative quotes that capture his perspective:

“Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now.”
“You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be.”
“When you know clearly what you want, you’ll wake up every morning excited about life.”
“Action eradicates fear. No matter what you fear – positive, self-affirming action can diminish or completely cancel that which you are fearful of.”
“The size of your accomplishments is directly proportional to the size of your belief.”
“Continued persistence overcomes almost all resistance.”
“In imagination there’s no limitation.”
“Graveyards are filled with books that were never written, songs that were never sung, words that were never spoken, things that were never done.”

These quotes illustrate recurring themes in Hansen’s message: starting despite imperfection, internal belief, bold imagination, and converting fear into action.

Lessons from Mark Victor Hansen

From Hansen’s life and work, several lessons can be drawn:

1. Start now, even when conditions are not ideal
   Waiting for perfection often means never beginning.

2. Write down goals and dreams
   Tangibility helps vision, focus, and accountability.

3. Mindset precedes outcome
   What you believe, imagine, and expect shapes what you do—and ultimately what happens.

4. Action is antidote to fear
   Taking positive steps—even small ones—erodes fear and builds confidence.

5. Persistence beats resistance
   Obstacles are inevitable; keeping steady progress matters.

6. Give and contribute
   Sharing value, whether through stories, kindness, or effort, ripples outward.

Conclusion

Mark Victor Hansen has become a pillar of the inspirational and self-help literary world through his belief in the power of stories, mindset, and action. From the global success of Chicken Soup for the Soul to his motivational works and speeches, he has touched millions. His message invites each of us not to wait for the perfect moment—but to begin, believe, act, persist, and give.