Are you all in? Are you leaving everything on the field? Are you fully committed?
Most people give up when the going gets tough or at the first signs of difficulty. Unfortunately, many turn around just when they get close to the goal or the realization of their dream. That’s the tragedy of life, that people give up and stop living, sit tight and wait for something to happen, rather than keep moving and making something happen.
So, what’s your answer? Are you all in on your…
- Job?
- Finances?
- Marriage?
- Family?
- Health?
- Future?
- Dreams?
Yeah, I know. I can’t possibly know your situation or your obstacles. What I do know, however, is that none of that matters in regards to you being stuck. Nope, not one shred of it. So there’s hope! And more so, there’s nothing new under the sun so the challenges and roadblocks you’re facing are no different than friends, family and co-workers. Believe me, it’s all in your head! Here are some of the questions you may have used as excuses, and since you probably haven’t answered them, let me do that for you:
- Do I have what it takes? Yes, you do.
- Will I fail over and over? Yes, most likely.
- Is there a shortcut? Nope.
- I can’t do it! I agree with you and Henry Ford, who said: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right!”
- Can I learn from others’ mistakes? Absolutely, you would be remiss if you didn’t do that research.
- What if I don’t know what to do next? Figure it out, ask for help, but keep moving and don’t look back.
- I don’t have the time. Really, that’s your justification? Time is the only thing we all have equally. Last time I checked Henry Ford and Steve Jobs didn’t get any more time than you or I.
- Yeah, but I don’t have the right training or education. Hmm, then get it, it’s available! You don’t need a Masters or a PhD. You can find training and education online today, and you can schedule around your job.
There isn’t a quick fix. Get rich schemes are just that, schemes that look enticing, but don’t pay off. Moreover, there is no secret to success; it’s persistence, hard work and bulldog tenacity.
Your success requires more than an idea and a decision, though those are important to the process. If you want to accomplish anything — from that project in your garage to a new business to getting out of debt or any other change to your life — you’ll need persistence, perseverance and endurance. Nothing happens overnight unless you’re baking a cake.
If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time. ~Steve Jobs.
That is the “all in” part of the equation. Some of the best ideas are left on the cutting room floor because someone gave up or didn’t have the guts to carry through with them. But the real winners are those who persist and persevere. I included this list earlier this month in another post called NO MORE EXCUSES, but it’s worth reviewing again if you’re worried about failure and have low self-esteem.
- Michael Jordan was cut from his junior high basketball team.
- Dave Ramsey filed for bankruptcy before becoming one of America’s leading financial teachers.
- Theodore Seuss Geisel‘s first book was rejected 27 times. You now recognize him as Dr. Seuss.
- Harland Sanders was 65 and bankrupt before his Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe finally broke through.
- Movie executives once told Harrison Ford he didn’t have the “star factor”. That, of course, was before he became a star in the Star Wars trilogy and Indiana Jones movies.
- J.K. Rowling battled depression, her first marriage failed and she was living on welfare. Then came Harry Potter.
- Charles Schulz had flunked eighth grade and had his cartoons rejected by his high school yearbook staff. Later in life, studios and publishers turned him down again. But he was persistent, and most of you have enjoyed Charlie Brown and Snoopy as a result.
Do you think they gave up or quit? Sure, they were probably discouraged, just like you, but they got back up off the floor and proved the world wrong. So, here’s a good question for you: How much difference is there between you and Michael Jordan or J.K. Rowling or Col Sanders?
Before you answer, take a look at this short video.
Your idea, your goal, or your dream is meaningless and worthless unless and until you pull the trigger and start to move. And keep moving.
I love what Winston Churchill says about the bulldog: “The nose of the bulldog is slanted backward so he can continue to breathe without letting go.” Your desire and decision are integral, but that bulldog tenacity and never-give-up passion will take you to the top.
So, back to the start of our conversation today: Are you all in? Or have you given in, given up, and given out? It’s not just a decision, it’s your choice every day. And if you want to change where you’re going, you’ll need to change something you do every day.
Your future awaits. Your journey awaits. Let’s go!
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. ~Colin Powell.
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~Thomas Edison
If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse. ~Jim Rohn.
Learn to say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the best. ~ John Maxwell.
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. ~Walt Disney
Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down. ~Charles F. Kettering