The pillars of success 281110
There are many who have met success in some projects but only a few have maintained that success for long periods of time. There are many things that are needed to make sure that the successes you score last long. On a very dark night with no moon to give light, there is always enough light to illuminate the way so that one does not stumble over obstacles. This is because the stars consistently produce some light though little. Once in a while the sky is illuminated by a bright light as some shooting star passes by. Its light is usually so intense that it improves visibility while it lasts. The problem is that it draws attention to itself so much that the traveler can only focus on its brightness. When it eventually fades away, the eyes are now accustomed to the light so much that the star light that was adequate beforehand becomes too little to light the way. Though its presence is appreciated, it leaves things worse than they have ever been. Such is the success of those who come onto the scene quickly and vanish equally fast. They bring hope of better things for some time only to leave the hoping people worse off than they were before. This is the reason why we all need three pillars of success to ensure that all the success we score can last.
A house needs to be stable and pillars are used to make sure this stability is realised. If the pillars are destroyed the house cannot stand. Success also needs such pillars to make sure that it remains in our lives. These three pillars are aptitude, inspiration and the right mindset. Aptitude ensures you do things to the right standard; inspiration ensures you keep working despite all the conditions and situations you meet along the way while mind-set ensures you do things for the right reasons. Let us look at these one at a time.
Aptitude: This is basically your abilities and talents. For you to have success in any field you have to have a certain level of competence in what you do. The greater your level of competence, the better. It is important that you keep improving your talents as far as possible in order to remain successful. As you grow in your area of business you will find that there is constant need to upgrade your skills in order to remain relevant to your clients.
Inspiration: This is basically your motivation. The reason why you do what you do. If you do it for the right reasons you will be able to keep working despite setbacks. There are many obstacles that you meet along the path of success. Once you succeed you have to brace yourself for opposition because victory always attracts scrutiny and opposition. Remember Thomas Edison’s definition of genius? He said “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” For success you need the idea in your mind to pursue. You must be motivated enough to keep going despite what happens. All the while you must be sweating it out. Without the inspiration the perspiration is worthless. Without the perspiration the inspiration is pointless. You need both but inspiration is needed more because it precedes the perspiration in the genius equation. Stay inspired.
Mind-set: This is basically your attitude. This determines the way you view things around you. If your attitude is wrong you will have problems staying successful because you end up putting the cart before the oxen, so to speak. Your primary task is to satisfy the needs of your clients. If you become successful and put your needs before those of your clients they will soon run away from you in search of a place where their needs are met.
Your attitude towards other people also matters. If you see people as objects to be used then you will have serious problems sooner than later. All the people you work with either on your team or competitors need to be respected. If you do they will respect you in return. In such environments there are greater chances of success at whatever you do.
What is your skill level in the area where you want to succeed? Is it enough to give you the success you require? Is there a way of improving your talent so that you can perform your duties at a higher level than now? Whatever it takes take time to improve yourself in this area so that you can be guaranteed success.
What keeps you going in the area where you seek success? Is the motivation enough or you feel like giving up more often? What can you do to stay motivated and inspired?
What is your attitude towards other people and towards the work you do. Is this attitude helping you produce the results you need to produce in order to succeed? What changes can you make to your attitude so that you can remain successful?
Take time to build these three pillars. You need them to safeguard your success.
