The other day an attendee at an event where I was speaking asked me to reveal the secret to my success. I guess since I was the one on stage there was an assumption that I had actually figured something out, but of course, success is a very relative thing indeed.
My answer wasn’t a secret so much as a truth – the secret to success is to be willing to do the things that others aren’t and be prepared to do them for a really long time.
I know, that’s not a very glamorous bit of news, but it is how you win the game.
Over the weekend I went for my normal Saturday run. I cover a course that is often teeming with runners, joggers and walkers. On this morning a sturdy North wind was pushing near freezing rain at me and I recall only passing one other brave soul.
Now, I’m not that disciplined as a runner and I am very capable of rolling over and sleeping in, but on this given run I was reminded that getting ahead takes incredible determination and consistency.
- Others aren’t willing to keep writing
- Others aren’t willing to keep learning
- Others aren’t willing to look foolish
- Others aren’t willing to think bigger
- Others aren’t willing to give more
- Others aren’t willing to get up earlier
- Others aren’t willing to ask for help
- Others aren’t willing to test and track
- Others aren’t willing to invest in their energy
- Others aren’t willing to embrace change
- Others aren’t willing to learn from mistakes
- Others aren’t willing to build relationships
- Others aren’t willing to say no to things
- Others aren’t willing to use technology
- Others aren’t willing to practice
- Others aren’t willing to make purpose
Others aren’t willing to do the things you do – and that’s how you win.
