A couple days ago I was listening to a CD by one of the most successful speakers in the industry. He has been around for many years and is considered one of the greats. He is also considered to be somewhat off the beaten path. As much as he is admired and respected by many, he is judged by just as many. The segment I found most intriguing was one about how others often say to him, "I would give anything to be a successful speaker and author just like you."
His response is, "No you wouldn't. What you want is the end result, but you're probably not willing to do what it takes to achieve the level of success I have achieved." Arrogant? Maybe. Harsh? Perhaps. Truthful? Most definitely.
Anyone who has achieved a relatively high level of success in their industry has probably had the same statement directed to them. "I would give anything to be a successful ________ just like you."
Truth be told, achieving a level of success others will want to emulate is something most people are not willing to make the necessary sacrifices for. Sure, they want the end result, but are they willing to step out from the crowd and do what it takes to achieve their dream? Are they willing to go through the inevitable ups and downs?
Over the years I've had the opportunity to work with some pretty incredible people. Folks who have achieved more than most could only dream of. Individuals who others will look at and think, "I would be willing to do anything to achieve that level of success."
Sadly, that is about as far as many people get with their desire to accomplish what they want out of life. They talk about it, but don't do what is necessary to achieve it. I'm not referring simply to monetary success. I am referring to contribution to community, personal success, physical success, or virtually anything that would signify a complete life.
In last month's column I mentioned the book I am co-authoring. Why Be Different? Success Secrets for Selling the Unsellable is a book about how one can set themselves apart from the competition in such a way that they literally become leaders in their industry. Much of the book will be based on interviews conducted with people from a variety of industries such as real estate, healthcare, accounting, hospitality and more. Being a leader doesn't necessarily mean you are the biggest. It means that you are the one others look to when determining standards of success within an industry.
As I have been gathering information, what I find interesting is some of the similarities with the people we are featuring in the book. Each person has been through some incredible ups and downs on their road to success. Each has gone through experiences that would make someone else quickly throw in the towel. They didn't let the roadblocks stop them; they just kept moving forward in order to reach their goals.
What I find most intriguing is their powerful belief in having a vision of what is possible. All are also very flexible in their approach to life. They knew what they wanted to achieve and if one thing didn't work they tried something else. If that didn't work, they tried yet something else. They kept at it until they achieved their goals. The words "no" and "can't" are almost nonexistent in their vocabulary.
Also evident is their generosity to their community and their clients. Rather than putting a price tag on everything, they often make contributions without expecting anything in return. They do it because it makes others feel good and it is simply the right thing to do.
With each person, a love of what they are doing is essential. Although they work very hard, they have such an incredible passion for what they are doing that when the tough times hit, they are virtually unstoppable. People who are not incredibly passionate about what they are doing give up when they are presented with roadblocks to their success.
Don't just be another person saying, "I'd do anything?" Keep your vision, your passion and jump over your roadblocks.
Copyright: ? 2004 by Kathleen Gage
Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your web site, or in your print publication provided you include The resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.
About The Author
Kathleen Gage is a business advisor, keynote speaker, and trainer that helps others gain dominance and visibility within their market. Call 801.619.1514 or e-Mail kathleen@turningpointpresents.com . Get Gage's FREE 4 day online marketing course by visiting kathleen@turningpointpresents.com .
Mercedes Benz s500 rentals Salem ..You must understand You are already a Success, and before... Read More
My studies of the highly successful prove that they continually... Read More
The title of this article also happens to be the... Read More
I want to relate to you a story, READ it... Read More
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More
Well, it's that time of the year again. No, I... Read More
Think how often you see a friend or an acquaintance... Read More
Are you successful? What does that word mean to you?... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Bill is a man for the people, of the people... Read More
Temp your way to the top Want to take the... Read More
They 'do it' by sharpening their FOCUS on the task... Read More
The 90/10 secret is incredible! Very few know and apply... Read More
Management by Objectives, strategic planning, quality, teams, re-engineering. Passing management... Read More
You're enjoying a perfectly shallow conversation with a good friend... Read More
You talked but didn't get a response. You talked but... Read More
Lots of people network but few reap the rewards of... Read More
Have you ever made plans in your career but never... Read More
Read these four simple steps that reveal how... Read More
Conditions differ from circumstances. Circumstances are changeable conditions which merely... Read More
Do you know how much time do you spend listening?... Read More
According to Bill Gates there are 3 keys to success... Read More
Create a truth and step into it There is a... Read More
In my work with clients, the issue of perspectives comes... Read More
Today I was glad that I had bothered to read... Read More
Dowagiac cheap limo service ..What if I told you that you could be more... Read More
Whenever I'm feeling stuck in a rut, I go out... Read More
OK, so here we are. We've switched the calendars out... Read More
There is one big "secret" to success that can help... Read More
Often, what people say about other people behind their backs... Read More
My studies of the highly successful prove that they continually... Read More
Q. My problem is that I have trouble keeping my... Read More
What is Optimum Performance? This question raises different responses from... Read More
Several years ago, I attended a "success" seminar in northern... Read More
The purpose of man is in action not thought -... Read More
When most of us are asked the most important possession... Read More
Want to be successful in whatever it is you choose... Read More
Consider what it takes to become an undeniable success with... Read More
Every single one of us is trying to reach success.... Read More
You already have all the resources you need to accomplish... Read More
The present model of business and career motivation, the one... Read More
"Well, you're just a busy beaver, aren't you?" You've either... Read More
Perfect the fine art of the end run From time... Read More
Self-improvement; A great deal has been written on the subject,... Read More
Imagine you are a fire. Fires burn at different levels... Read More
"Fighting to pay the bills is hardly worth it? fight... Read More
I was in the gym, pushing my adolescent muscles to... Read More
The gambling instinct is in every man or woman. All... Read More
Many of the problems we have with discipline are caused... Read More
Jim Rohn, noted leader and speaker in the personal development... Read More
Success |