Thursday, January 11, 2007

Not Exciting...but Effective

There are individuals with phenomenal talent in the world. Athletes. Musicians. Artists.

When you look at them, they seem to perform their craft with such ease. Their performance appears effortless.

Well, one thing I've learned is that the key to success--lasting success--lies in a lifestyle of consistent hard work.

Daily practice at whatever you do, whether its knitting or skydiving--is the only way to achieve ongoing improvement.

The problem is, doing the same thing day after day, rehearsing over and over is not really exciting. In fact, it can be downright boring. But if you really want to succeed at what you do, consistent, disciplined effort is the only way to get there. Behind all those who have achieved sustained greatness, you'll find a lifestyle of routine, disciplined practice.

For example, many people waste lots of time and money trying to get rich quickly. However, if you look at most people who have sustained a high level of wealth, they will tell you that the process was long and BORING.

Remember, the road to success may not be exciting, but it is effective.

For those serious about greatness, I think you'll find this article interesting and helpful. (click here for CNN/Money article)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know your right. It just seems like such a long process to get where I want to go. I also like sponteneity, so sometimes I get off track trying to make things happen all at once.

Anonymous said...

I guess I would have to say that I am a boring person, because beleive it or not, I am willing to work hard and be persistent in whatever I do.
If you chose a profession that you care deeply about, verses a job, just to get by, you may find that your interest level, doesnt easily wane.
Yes, I know some people change their jobs midstream to something else because of boredom, but if one took the time to get to know oneself, one might find that one can chose a profession that would easily match their ability.

lrubin39 said...

This principle is true for every aspect of our lives. Physically, Spiritually, Financially. Many people go on crash diets, when the way to remain healthy is to maintain a consistent exercise regiment, along with proper eating habits. Even spiritually, consistent prayer,reading and meditation may not be exciting, but will definitely lead to spiritual growth. We're looking for quick fixes, but the success is in the consistent process.

Anonymous said...

The adage, "What feels good to you may not be good for you" reigns true.

I am not the most spontaneous person, but in terms of personal development and finance, I consider myself mildly successful for my age.

Sure, my journey of life could've been a bit more exciting--peppered with a few more "fly-by-night booty calls" and "baby mamma's". I could've visited a few more foreign countries in my youth.

However, I don't consider myself a Pontiac vehicle, so it is not necessary that "I build excitement" every day of the week.

Overall, I have admirable

Thoughts
Words
Actions
Habits
Character

I have God running my life. I have a car (paid in full). A house. My health and a job.

So, I have to take inventory of my successes despite what the media tells me and praise God.