09/02/2020
It starts with YOU but it does not end with you. One of the most fascinating aspects of studying successful people is their ability to overcome challenges, obstacles and set backs. No one ever built anything without high degrees of difficulty. So what makes the difference?The good news is there are only a relatively small number of things that make most of the difference. It is 80% strategy 20% skill. The skills are not so complex that you need a degree or or detailed technical knowledge.So why do the vast majority fail? If it is easy to find out what to do, and how to do it, what could possibly go wrong?
In a real sense my second sentence is misleading:
It is not really about ability. It is about desire. If you lack skill, provided you are willing to learn; and hungry for knowledge, your desire will propel you to read the right books, attend the best events and training. Anyone can acquire the skill. So once we have the skills, and a clear understanding of the right strategy we have the opportunity of a lifetime, work from home, flexible hours, unlimited income potential, the world in the palm of our hands!
Really??
So why do the vast majority fail? If it is easy to find out what to do, and how to do it, what could possibly go wrong?
The reality is that most of the things we are tasked with, are easy to do; and easy not to do. It is only if we are hungry for success with strong level of desire that we succeed. This is explained brilliantly in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
It is the overlapping of Knowledge Skill & Attitude that makes the difference. So we learn, what to do; (knowledge.) How to do (Skills.) Why to do (Attitude) It is only where these 3 things are present that we develop the right habits which compound over time to produce the desired results. Most people struggle with the "Why". It is therefore usually necessary to do personal & professional development to strengthen the mental muscle required.
Covey wrote that the best way to develop consistency, effective time management and to channel your purpose and passion; was to write a personal mission statement.
Viktor Frankl who founded Logotherapy; which is the idea that human beings are most motivated by a search for meaning, said: "Don't aim at success- the more you aim at it and make it he target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself..."
Dr Tom Barrett cites as the first ingredient of success, Determine What You Want
" Be absolutely clear about what you want out of your business before you decide what you will put in to it.Why is that important? Because goals create focus, energy and passion. They strengthen the will They create purposeful living and they become a compass which gives us our headings when we get lost in the fog."
It is your desire not your ability that will determine the outcome. Work hard to understand your personal motivation, tap into the deepest passions of your existence. This will help you to move into the top 5% in the industry and will empower you to do "the easy not to do" and to master the mundane.
