The key factor

The key factor                                                                                                      141110

                I was a the locksmith’s workshop the other day and had the priviledge to see some of the things that he does. I was intrigued when he openned apadlock in order to make it inlockable again after the owner, who had  lost the keys, brought it in. I got to appreciate more the function of a key. I reaised that though each padlock may have a hundred keys that easily enter, only one is able to turn causing the lock to be openned.

                The key operates using a set of rods that must be aligned aright before it can turn. These ro9ds are made the exact length with the key inside so that it can tunr. Only one key can give the combination of rod lengths that will make the key turn. From the six or so rods that are used in each padlock, the chances that you get another key with the same combination is very remote indeed. This is the reason why you must have the right key before you can open your own padlock, or car or house.

                This made me think about the way the word key is used in life. Remember sentences like, ‘the key to success is hard work’. What all these statements will be saying that there is a combination of factors that have to be fulfiled before success comes. There are many keys that we can acquire in life. Some of these are harder than others. The fact remains that if you do not have the right key you are not going to open the doors that you may want to open.

                Over the years, ther are a number of things that have been observed to bring success without fail. Everyone wants to succeed but very few people want to spend time to styudy these keys and acquire them at all cost. There is no other way but to have the right keys before you can enter.

                In some places there are times when people who have lost their keys have vandalised the doors and found access still. Thieves tend to get access to locked places by use of force. In such cases one wonders whether there are shortcuts to success using the same violent way. It is unfortunate that the door to success is not a physical one, therefore you cannot vandalise it. You just have to get the key frst. Many have tried to cheat their way to the top and use unorthodox means to acquire wealth with the idea of being successful top on their minds. The same people learnt the hard way that wealth acquired by illegal means does not quite constitute success. At least in their own eyes. Others may think you are great and successful but you know deep down that you did not quite succeed. And you cannot cheat yourself in any case. It is better therefore to go the key route. Let me highlight a few of the keys that have been discussed in many for a for your information. These are nothing but reminders because all have heard about them one way or the other.             

                Hard work. There is no substitute for hard work if you want to succeed. I have often quoted the statement that says ‘the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary’. Simply because it has alphabetical advantage. If you will succeed, or if you will remain successful, there is no other way but to keep working.

                Passion. Those who do their work like it is something that just has to be completed without putting their passion in it will produce mediocre kind of workmanship that will not bring success. If you are assionate about what you do it is a matter of time before success comes knocking at your door. When it does everyone will notice.