Most people don’t start a new venture of any kind with failure as their goal.
People want to succeed.
The desire to succeed is hard wired in us, or at least I believe it is. If failure is our goal, we really have to do very little to reach it.
But if we want to have success, we have to work toward the goal. It can be a big goal, or a modest goal, but we have to work to achieve. It is really pretty simple.
What is the first step to success?
I think the first step to success is believing in what you do. If you don’t believe in yourself, who else will?
If you don’t believe you can succeed in achieving your goal, how will you ever accomplish anything?
You have to believe that what you do matters, and you have to believe that in the doing of it you are making yourself, your life, your family, your world better.
When we wait for the world to hand us money for nothing, trophies for no results, accolades for any and everything (regardless of the outcome), don’t be surprised if we discover the depths of failure rather than the rapture of victory.
Belief that what you do matters becomes the power source for getting up in the morning. It motivates you through the day, and it satisfies your soul when you finish you day.
If you don’t believe in what you do, who will? You know the answer to that.
So, take stock and take heart. Convincing others that what you do is valuable and worthwhile takes some effort. But convincing yourself should be both cost-free and easy. Nothing to buy. Nothing to study. Just you and your soul.
Do you believe that what you do matters? You should tell me about it!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I totally agree with you on this, Thad.
Believing in what you do can sometimes determine whether or not you succeed. It’s hard to keep working on/toward something if you’re not “that” into it. Great post.
Jen @ Master the Art of Saving recently posted..Spending & Saving: Money & Our Kid
Thanks Jen! Sorry I haven’t been as regular at your blog…will make up for it!
Right on! As the Bible teaches us in Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This is the basis of James Allen’s timeless classic, written back in 1902 also called, “As A Man Thinketh.” Your thoughts shape you. I remember as a teenager, around the age of 14 reading Dale Carneige’s “How To Win Friends And Influence People.” Thad, you have summarized many of those thoughts into this brief blog. Well done!
Thanks Tony!
Agreed, I definitely think that belief in what you do is critical. It is easy to persist in mediocrity and dispassionate efforts. However, it takes a toll on you long term, and you will likely find it difficult to complete with someone who has strong beliefs in what they are doing.
Roshawn @ Watson Inc recently posted..Are You A Financial Liar?
Passion provides its’ own motivation.
Thank you, Thad. This is just what I needed today. Sometimes, I fall into a funk, and start to doubt what I’m doing. It’s inspirational words like these that get me back on track. You’re so right about believing in yourself. It’s practically all you’ve got. If you don’t believe in you, life will be very hard. Thanks for the pick-me-up.
Anthony Thompson recently posted..Self Manager – How to Masterfully Practice the Law of Reciprocity
Tony I am really glad it was of help to you today. Originally I was going to run it on Friday of this week, but changed it to today. So glad it met a need!