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Secrets to Success
Deborah Cole Micek |
Sacrifice is
the keeper of success
Nothing-but-nothing takes the place of self-sacrifice and contribution when it comes to realizing one's goals and dreams on a massive scale.
Speak to enough successful people from any industry and you'll find it's true. From little-known mom-and-pop businesses, to high-tech companies, to music and movie stars who have "staying power."
So why is this a secret?
Quite simply because precious few people want to hear it. These days, everyone wants to become a millionaire without any effort.
So the truth stays hidden.
The masses stumble along believing you can be successful and fulfilled without any significant sacrifice along the way.
Achievers who tell us we can grow wealthy by making small improvements and incrementally improving one day at a time are not the popular icons of today's "bling-bling" media-hyped age. The average person doesn't want to hear that.
They want it now. Or better yet, yesterday. What's worse, is they feel they deserve to have it all. Maxing-out their credit cards on non-necessities, living the high life, never saving, because they're always living beyond their means.
Statistics tell us most people in this great land of opportunity come to the end of their lives broke and full of regrets.
Three things my Dad taught me continue to dominate my consciousness as I strive toward success in all I do.
>> Learn from other people's mistakes.
>> Delay personal gratification now in order to be ahead of the game later.
>> Always give away at least 10 percent of anything you make to people in need.A fundamental secret to success is the law of contribution. The funny thing is giving a portion of your money away creates a "miraculous" phenome- non in getting you through the tough times, even when you don't think you're going to make it another month.
What's the secret to turning sacrifice into sheer joy? Your attitude toward what you do.
Sure, I put in long hours, but since I absolutely love what I do, I get a boost of increased energy that moves me forward.
If you hate what you do, you may find yourself cutting corners or not putting in your best. Unfortunately, this behavior is seen by those who have the power to change your destiny. Better for you to work at something you love and make a little less money now, only to leave yourself open to bigger and better opportunities that only come to people who are passionate about what they do.
The habits we form while working on what looks like "small things" in life have the power to make us or break us.
This includes the habit of where you put your money, time and effort. If you never give above and beyond, you won't be entrusted with more.
When you put in long, hard hours, take calculated risks daily, exhibit unwavering dedication during trials and quickly adapt to change, you will have the "keeper of success" on your side too.
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John-Paul Micek is the lead business coach at RPM Success Group Inc. Reach him at JPM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach and life strategist. Reach her at DCM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.
Access an expanded version of this article at www.GetCoachedforFree.com.