Years ago, my mother gave each of my daughters a beautiful carved wooden box for Christmas. On the outside of each box, it simply stated: “The Secret of Success is…. ” on the inside of the box was carved “Hard Work” My daughters weren’t thrilled. They like many others were expecting some great secret to be revealed to them. But success isn’t a mystery. It’s an attitude and a journey.
I just returned from the National Speakers Association annual convention during which several very successful professional speakers were inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, received their Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designations, or received various service awards. Without fail, those recipients who spoke expressed deep gratitude for being recognized but also humbly stated they had no special talents; they simply work hard. I know most of the award recipients and you know what? They spoke the truth. Yes they are each intelligent, but that’s not why they have achieved what they have. Not one has mysterious skills, they have honed skills. They’ve worked hard to refine their skills, services, products, and business models. They have each made mistakes, but they’ve all pushed through them and have kept focused on improving. They each believe in continual growth and improvement. They have the right attitude – success isn’t given; it’s earned.
I always found it amusing that the “Life Sucks” bumper stickers are still appearing on the back bumpers of beat-up old junkers that chug down the interstate at 53 miles per hour. I have yet to see one on the back of a new Jaguar. Also, I have yet to meet someone whom I consider a “successful leader” project a “Life Sucks” attitude. Instead, they face challenges regularly. They expect them. They plan for them. They deal with them. Then, they move on.
The road to success is not a straight one with clear directions. There are a lot of twists, turns, detours, and washouts. Being able to target the destination, and then being willing to follow that course, navigate the detours, and take advantage of any shortcuts is how most successful people find success. They don’t wait for someone else to lead them to their success. They cut their own path to success.
Copyright – Liz Weber, CMC – Weber Business Services, LLC.
WBS is a team of Strategic Planning and Leadership Development Consultants, Trainers, and Speakers. Liz can be reached at info@wbsllc.com or (717)597-8890.
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