The Secret of Success

Ever wonder what truly separates those who succeed (you know, the folks that really make things happen) from those who don't?  Or, won't?

As I lingered on the concept of success, it occurred to me what many may believe is the key to big time success:  blind luck.  After all, if luck is important for success to happen to me, then I can keep doing the things that currently give me the mediocre results I'm getting while I wait on Luck to show its face. I don't need to change a thing, right?

Sure, luck appears to be a factor in much of the success we see around us.  If we consider some of the most visible splashes we see, then the latest American Idol, the next Internet darling or even (pardon the pun) Michael Phelps all depended on a good bit of luck for their chance at success.  Right?

Last month, Derek Jeter just set the new hits record for the Yankees, passing one of the greatest hitters not only in Yankee history, but in baseball. All his teammates and those who follow the Yankees mention that he trains hard and long during the season and during the off-season.  He puts himself in a position to take advantage of opportunities that come his way.   

You might have watched Phelp's marvelous Olympic performances, another result of a life (well, for 12 of his 23 years) of preparation.  Sure, luck may have had something to do with his 100m butterfly win by .01 second.  But wasn't a more overwhelming indicator of Michael's likely success his relentless training with his coach Bob Bowman since Phelps was 11?  Bowman's self-professed training technique has been to "push him to exhaustion, then ask for something more”. 

"The secret of success in life is
for a man to be ready for his time
when it comes."

~ Benjamin Disraeli

We must prepare for success before the opportunity is upon us.  Abraham Lincoln said it this way: "I will prepare and some day my chance will come". 

Is there a secret for success?  Benjamin Disraeli believes it's clear: " The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his time when it comes."  Some are willing, most are not.  Preparation is a big part of what truly separates those that consistently succeed from those who won't.

As you focus on your finances, career, and family, make sure you prepare for success.  Make the effort and time to do your part while you are waiting for your opportunity.

I once heard a story about two farmers who were worried about their crops, because it hasn’t rained in a while.  One farmer did nothing, since he wasn’t sure when the rain would come. The other farmer still plowed, prepared the soil, and planted the seed. Who do you think was more successful?

Finnerty Financial Coaching wants to wish all the children and adults a happy and safe Halloween.