Success, Like Freedom, Is Earned

If you ask most people if they want to be successful, they will say "Yes."  But, when you ask them if they are willing do everything it takes to reach that success and if they know what they need to do, people are a lot less confident.  

Success is earned.  Just like freedom is earned.  Last week, we remembered 9/11 in the United States and the horrific events of that day.  On that day, the U.S. was attacked because of our way of life and the freedoms that our citizens enjoy.  That freedom didn't just happen.  It was earned.  It was earned through our revolutionary war and by upholding the principles and ideals of our founding and protecting them for centuries.  It can never be taken for granted or we will lose it.  

Success is the same way.  It is a disciplined commitment to a set of principles, ideals, and actions that you follow and never give up on.  You have to keep going at it day in and day out, sometimes for many years to reach the success you desire.  And even then, the success you get may not be what you envisioned when you started.

Success is earned over time by diligence, dedication, and experience.  Every day you get better and closer to your goal.  You are responsible for your effort and your commitment.  

Interesting enough, the success you seek doesn't need to be done in a huge glorious way.  It can be done in little increments of getting better.  In fact, most success comes from getting better at the little things.  And it doesn't take much.  Think about the winner in an Olympic race.  Many times, it comes down to 1/10 of a second or less.  That can be a hand placement or foot position at the starting line.  The littlest of things can make the biggest difference.  The difference in getting a sale in a business could just how much faster you respond to a lead than your competition.  It could be that last follow up on a potential partnership after you have exhausted yourself in the effort.

Ask yourself, "What can I do today to further my success?"  Start each day this way and never stop!  Earn your success.