Well believe it or not, my blogs are usually inspired by something. Its usually as simple as something I hear, read, or see. This one is no different. I was speaking with my sister about her current job and how she had to work so many other jobs, some of which were very far from what she really wanted to do, but she kept at it and now she is doing something she really enjoys. So I would like to start by giving you one of my favorite quotes:
“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
-- Calvin Coolidge
Many people would say that Thomas Edison tried and failed over 3000 times to make an incandescent light bulb. Edison would tell you that he simply found over 3000 ways not to make a light bulb. Abraham Lincoln lost 8 elections before becoming one of the most revered presidents in history. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. If any of these people would have given up and not believed in themselves things would have turned out a lot differently.
There is no doubt that a lot of variables go into success. Everyone has talents, and there is no doubt that education is valuable in increasing your chances of success. I think what President Coolidge was trying to say is that no one is successful unless they have an attitude to match.
I think every day we are faced with opportunities to give in, quit, or take the easy route. Some days there are even bigger opportunities, and the bigger it is the harder it is to resist. For me I always keep my eye on the prize. I remind myself of the things that I want to accomplish, big and small, and charge myself to keep working towards those goals. This is something that I know I would not have been able to do a couple years ago, but with the experiences I had over the last couple years I’ve been able to look at things more “big picture” and not get so bogged down in hour by hour, day by day.
I think something that is important is to make sure that the things you are doing and focusing on are indeed helping to accomplish your big picture goals. While I do realize that in some ways it is very idealistic to think this way, and I really am not usually one that is big into having a “goal sheet” or anything like that, but I definitely have an idea of some of the things that I want to accomplish. I think it is different for everyone, and everyone has to find his or her own motivation. For some it is money, for some it is fear of failure, but I think the best motivation is nothing about security, and is more about fulfillment.
Now, while the examples that I gave earlier are very extreme, it is a great way to realize that it is true. I often times hear people say “I wish I did…” or “If I had only done…” So I’ve tried to be mindful of that and take on the challenges that come. I will persist.
Dare to dream of your great success. Become intimate with those things which deeply motivate you and regularly work toward the realization of that mission.
- Mary Anne Radmacher
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