I Would Give Anything To ?

A couple days ago I was listening to a CD by one of the most successful speakers in the industry. He has been around for many years and is considered one of the greats. He is also considered to be somewhat off the beaten path. As much as he is admired and respected by many, he is judged by just as many. The segment I found most intriguing was one about how others often say to him, "I would give anything to be a successful speaker and author just like you."

His response is, "No you wouldn't. What you want is the end result, but you're probably not willing to do what it takes to achieve the level of success I have achieved." Arrogant? Maybe. Harsh? Perhaps. Truthful? Most definitely.

Anyone who has achieved a relatively high level of success in their industry has probably had the same statement directed to them. "I would give anything to be a successful ________ just like you."

Truth be told, achieving a level of success others will want to emulate is something most people are not willing to make the necessary sacrifices for. Sure, they want the end result, but are they willing to step out from the crowd and do what it takes to achieve their dream? Are they willing to go through the inevitable ups and downs?

Over the years I've had the opportunity to work with some pretty incredible people. Folks who have achieved more than most could only dream of. Individuals who others will look at and think, "I would be willing to do anything to achieve that level of success."

Sadly, that is about as far as many people get with their desire to accomplish what they want out of life. They talk about it, but don't do what is necessary to achieve it. I'm not referring simply to monetary success. I am referring to contribution to community, personal success, physical success, or virtually anything that would signify a complete life.

In last month's column I mentioned the book I am co-authoring. Why Be Different? Success Secrets for Selling the Unsellable is a book about how one can set themselves apart from the competition in such a way that they literally become leaders in their industry. Much of the book will be based on interviews conducted with people from a variety of industries such as real estate, healthcare, accounting, hospitality and more. Being a leader doesn't necessarily mean you are the biggest. It means that you are the one others look to when determining standards of success within an industry.

As I have been gathering information, what I find interesting is some of the similarities with the people we are featuring in the book. Each person has been through some incredible ups and downs on their road to success. Each has gone through experiences that would make someone else quickly throw in the towel. They didn't let the roadblocks stop them; they just kept moving forward in order to reach their goals.

What I find most intriguing is their powerful belief in having a vision of what is possible. All are also very flexible in their approach to life. They knew what they wanted to achieve and if one thing didn't work they tried something else. If that didn't work, they tried yet something else. They kept at it until they achieved their goals. The words "no" and "can't" are almost nonexistent in their vocabulary.

Also evident is their generosity to their community and their clients. Rather than putting a price tag on everything, they often make contributions without expecting anything in return. They do it because it makes others feel good and it is simply the right thing to do.

With each person, a love of what they are doing is essential. Although they work very hard, they have such an incredible passion for what they are doing that when the tough times hit, they are virtually unstoppable. People who are not incredibly passionate about what they are doing give up when they are presented with roadblocks to their success.

Don't just be another person saying, "I'd do anything?" Keep your vision, your passion and jump over your roadblocks.

Copyright: © 2004 by Kathleen Gage

Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter, on your web site, or in your print publication provided you include The resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.

About The Author

Kathleen Gage is a business advisor, keynote speaker, and trainer that helps others gain dominance and visibility within their market. Call 801.619.1514 or e-Mail kathleen@turningpointpresents.com . Get Gage's FREE 4 day online marketing course by visiting www.kathleengage.com.

---

What Does Success Look Like To You?

So many of us want success, but how many of... Read More

Live the Dream

To achieve what you want, what you desire, needs a... Read More

Fanning the Flames of Passion -- Reconnecting With Life

Imagine you are a fire. Fires burn at different levels... Read More

Dont View Your Failures As Being Final

Do not make the mistake of looking at your failures... Read More

What is Success?

A company entitled "Made for Success" begs the question: Just... Read More

Plants, Herbs and Roots For Prosperity

Plants of all kinds (including trees), herbs and roots have... Read More

Identity Theft - Defining Who We Are

Identity theft!We've all seen them. The commercials use the voices... Read More

Bring on the Boosters!

Nobody becomes a success alone, period. There is no such... Read More

Barriers to Prosperity

An odd but frequent barrier to prosperity is the belief... Read More

Why Aren?t You Seriously Wealthy Already?

I bet you want to be wealthy, but somehow the... Read More

A Vision for Success

Do you know that there is a formula for attaining... Read More

The Psychology Of Success; Part 2

In the first part of this article you learned some... Read More

Super Achievers Have: Talent, Skill, Patience, and Lady Luck!

As a golfer and coach, I've been thrilled to watch... Read More

The REAL Secret to Success

I used to see a chiropractor who handed out a... Read More

Success Means Never Ever Giving Up

Persistence is the foundation of success. Although there are many... Read More

Persistence is Tops

To take the online road to success is not, contrary... Read More

What is Success Really?

Every single one of us is trying to reach success.... Read More

The Subtlety of Language

I have found that sometimes the subtle difference in our... Read More

Five Formulas for Committing to Success!

1. Clear vision + Intention + Purpose... Read More

I Havent Failed...I Just Havent Finished Yet

How many times do we fail at something, then attemp... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Clown Around

Clown around Among the Plains Indians, heyoka, or sacred clowns,... Read More

The Secret Behind All Great Masterpieces: Lessons Learned!

The ten-year period which followed the stock market crash of... Read More

Success: By The Numbers

What is "success"? Why does it seem everyone wants "success"?... Read More

A Field of Multiple Opportunity

Opportunity is all around us and has many facets, but... Read More

Believing in a Better Lifestyle

How many of you have ever thought about the link... Read More

Action Speaks Louder Than Words

I have written much about how, in order to have... Read More

Staying Cool When the Job Heats Up

Jobs are heating up. We're all feeling the pinch of... Read More

K.O.R.E. Elements of Success

I want to focus our thoughts on each of these... Read More

Motivation By Desire

Many of us have lost sight of what we really... Read More

The Seven Deadly Roadblocks to Success

When traveling down the road it is always good to... Read More

Try Honesty as a System of Trust, Success Will Follow

Trust is a cornerstone of human existence. It is interesting... Read More

Take Care of Yourself to Achieve Maximum Results (part 1)

All too often, we push ourselves past the limits of... Read More

Personal Development Legend Jim Rohn Turns 70 and Still Going Strong

Jim Rohn, noted leader and speaker in the personal development... Read More