Become a Greater Version of Yourself
Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard, then succeed on purpose ~ G. K. Nelson
Let’s get straight to the point as I want to speak from the heart.
Sometimes, a goal or dream may seem insurmountable from where you stand.
I know what it’s like.
Whilst people may consider you successful from the outside, there’s a lot hidden out of sight they’re unaware of.
Success is subjective because no two people share the same outlook. One must find their own measure of success and live by that ideal, instead of believing they are a failure.
For example, if I consider myself unsuccessful compared to an internationally bestselling author with millions of followers like Tony Robbins, I am likely to feel like a failure.
By this measure, comparing my success to others is not a correct representation because no two paths are the same.
The point is to create your own definition of success because it helps you know whether you are on track.
You must think with the end in mind since you are likely to achieve your goals and commit to the hard work. Moreover, you may not consider it hard work if you are passionate and committed to the journey.
Hard work requires a focused commitment to your talents, gifts and greatest strengths. It involves becoming a greater version of yourself in pursuit of your goals.
Success is the reward of a concerted effort.
It is the prize for harnessing your potential and directing it towards your goals and dreams.
Don’t think it’s impossible to achieve your goals from where you are now since you may be starting out or midway through the journey. Therefore, your perception is incomplete based on your assessment.
Have Faith The Finish Line Is Within Sight
Good things happen to those who hustle ~ Anais Nin
I’ve used this metaphor in earlier articles however, it warrants being repeated.
Believing you’re unable to achieve a goal or dream is comparable to building a new home and visiting the construction site midway through the project. You might conclude from your observation the house isn’t finished because it is still being constructed.
In a related vein, it was a mentor who once offered a similar example by way of swimming across a channel.
He said: when you’re halfway between your starting point and destination, it may look as though you will not complete the swim. However, if you continue to swim towards the finish line, you will get there eventually.
Being unable to see the finish line frightens you most. Trust the finish line is within sight and continue swimming towards it, he would often say.
This is the key to succeeding at your goals and dreams. Develop the discipline to commit to the daily tasks that move you toward your ambitions.
To abandon ship midway can be disheartening because you invest much of your time and energy to get to this point.
Giving up may not be the right call. There could be other avenues to explore before you make that choice.
The toughest decisions are those when you venture into the unknown. Contained within the uncertainty lies the greatest hope your goal will be achieved.
Faith, determination and a tenacious will are vital to achieving any goal or ambition.
Goals and dreams are meaningless were it not for the person you become.
Life Can Change at The Drop of a Hat
The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything ~ Vince Lombardi
Ask those who’ve achieved success with the lessons gained during their journey. They will tell you of the difficult times when quitting was a decision away.
I equate it to my years of long distance road cycling and hitting the wall frequently.
This is a term used to describe when an athlete runs out of energy stores in their body. The physiological effects are frightening since the individual can experience: trembling, hallucinations, shivering, slurred speech, fainting and dizziness to name a few.
When you are many miles away from home and run out of food, with no convenience stores in sight, the only thing to do is focus on small landmarks to get you to your destination.
You might focus on riding to the next lamppost or the next tree. To even contemplate the finish line is overwhelming, especially when you consider how far you have to go.
The lessons gained from these experiences are: I needn’t know whether I will make it to my destination because that is not helpful at the time.
My task is to keep moving and focus on what’s ahead of me.
Similarly, your undertaking is to keep moving, irrespective of the challenges and obstacles you face.
Faith requires believing in the unfolding narrative of your journey. It won’t reveal itself until you take the next step.
Circumstances can change unexpectedly and that’s why you should continue to move towards your goals and dreams little by little.
If you act on faith alone, you will eventually get there and gain the wisdom and personal growth along the way.
You can overcome any challenge as long as you keep moving.
Rest if you must.
Take time out if needed.
But don’t give up because you can never regain what is lost if you surrender.
Sometimes, what appears as your bleakest hour can turn around and set you on the path to victory.
Work hard and savour the challenges.
Plough ahead knowing success is attainable even if it doesn’t look that way.
Commit to the path, regardless of the journey getting there.
Not all roads are lined with roses, but with sometimes with thorns, roadblocks and dead ends.1
If you are willing to venture into the unknown, you will eventually break that mountain that once looked formidable from a distance.
To learn more about achieving goals see: How to Create a Purposeful Vision for Success
