Success or Failure: Which Will You Choose?
By Billy Arcement—The Candid Cajun
Copyright 2021
No one sets out in life to fail. But the reality is that far too many do fail. Why do some prosper while others struggle just to exist? There is no simple answer to that question. Please allow me to share a sequence of events you can begin to put in place starting today that can work for you. That may not only shed some light into this complex issue but perhaps, even help you climb your ladder of success.
The future is in your imagination. Humans have the ability to think into the future. We can use our imagination to see possibilities. Those who succeed see themselves as successful. They do so through the power of their imagination long before they are. They know how to bring their visions into reality. What vision do you carry in your mind? Is it one of hope or hopelessness? Begin to use this unique gift in a positive way. Build a vision of what you want to be, have or do. It is the starting point of all successful activities.
To win, you must expect to win. Imagine your future by wrapping that vision with a belief system. That encourages us to fulfill the vision. Those who struggle with life have lost their ability to believe things will ever be different. The truth is that every day offers another opportunity to change our circumstance. It's the day we can start our journey towards personal greatness. We must see and believe.
There are opportunities all around us. When speaking to audiences about opportunity, I often equate it to a merry-go-round ride I experienced as a youngster. This particular ride had a brass ring holder placed near the merry-go-round. As riders made the circle, they would reach out to grab a brass ring. If successful, they could enjoy a free ride. Life is like that merry-go-round ride. As we move through time, opportunities are abound. All we have to do is recognize them as brass rings and reach out to grab them. Many of the children riding in my day feared reaching out to capture the brass ring. Low achievers are content to ride rather than reach and risk. Capturing opportunity demands risk. Are you a risk taker?
Like what you do or do something else. Low achievers usually don’t like to work or don’t like the work they are doing. It’s a no-brainer to understand that those who don’t want to work will never prosper. For those who work, it is critical that their work be a joyful experience. Life is too short to work at a miserable job. Look for ways to make your work interesting. Improve your skills to improve your job opportunities. Match your skills to your job requirements and you are off on an enjoyable experience.
Your success depends on other people. No man is an island. We must interact with and receive the support of others to create personal success. Build a network of friends in your industry, community, and the world. The more people you know, the more opportunity you have to find a resource in times of need. Hang around people who are successful and have a sound value system. Get to know people of achievement. Listen to their words and apply what works for you. If you want to know what you need to do to be successful, find out what failures do and don’t do it!
If you don’t ask, you will rarely receive. Noted author and business consultant Dr. Tom Peters spoke at a conference I attended. While in line to buy his latest book and get it autographed, a thought crossed my mind. When I reached Peters, I told him that I would be willing to read his book if he would be kind enough to read mine. He gave me his address and promised to do so. Now I don’t know if he actually read my book but I sent it to him. If you never ask, you will rarely receive.
You become like your environment. Not satisfied where you are? Look around. Your environment will either be your albatross or your springboard to success. Exam your friendships. Better to have no friends at all than just one of the wrong kind of friend. People born to poverty generally stay that way. Why is that? They fail to change their environment or friends. What role has your environment and choice of friends played in your success or failure to achieve? Open your eyes and take a long, serious look. Be willing to move away from those who hold you down. They will drown you while you are swimming in the waters of success.
Everyone can succeed. We are all born with enough ability to experience success. Yes, some have more ability and succeed at a much higher level than you or I might ever achieve. But that doesn’t mean you cannot find the level of success you want to reach. Whatever that destination, your abilities can get you there. The task is to discover and develop your abilities. You must persist until you reach your destination. Nothing comes easy except quitting. Success demands hard work. Are you up to the task?
Billy Arcement—The Candid Cajun, offers in-person and virtual leadership training and consulting services to his corporate, government, and education clients. Preview his website, www.SearchingForSuccess.com and Contact him at 225-572-2804