Success in life is not by happenstance. Well, generally it’s not by happenstance. There are tales of luck…being in the right place at the right time…
making that crazy investment that pays off…etc. But for most, being successful doesn’t rely on luck. Instead, success is a product of that which is sowed and developed through one’s early life experiences. The future, for the most part, is predicated by the past.
Most people in life never achieve the kind of success they dream of. Why? Because dreaming and doing are two radically different things. Doing takes planning, effort, and fortitude. For many, dreaming is easier (and safer) than the daunting task of making that dream a reality. But for those who dream, big or small, and have the spirit and fight to put a plan of action in place, success is only a matter of time.
Many of my thoughts on the subject of success have been inspired by developmental biologist Dr. Bruce Lipton, best known for his ideas that a
person’s own DNA and genes can be manipulated by the environment surrounding oneself. I however also believe in the notion of self fulfilling
prophecy, as taught by the new age thinking of mind over matter. As is written in Proverbs 23:7: As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
It’s no secret we tend to become what is most familiar to us. Whether one is born into poverty or wealth, it has been shown throughout history that
human beings rarely rise above of one’s station. Those that do are generally considered inspirational to others, yet many would still rather dream
than do. Why? Well, the bottom line: it takes a tremendous amount of effort to be successful. If it didn’t, everyone would be living their dreams.
Many argue that certain successful individuals were simply born with the opportunity to achieve greatness by birthright. Tiger Woods may go down as the world’s best golfer in history, yet that path was paved by his father who gave Tiger the instructions and tools to achieve that success at an early age. The same can be said for Venus and Serena Williams in the world of tennis. But these athletes and others, regardless of the tools they were given early on, would not be successful, nor sustain their success, without a tremendous amount of blood, sweat, and tears.
Then of course there are those not afforded the tools early in life for greatness, and achieving success requires breaking away from whatever stereotypical mold one may be cast in. Billionaire Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks is one such example. Born into a working class Jewish family in Pittsburgh, PA, Cuban is a rags to riches story for the ages, but his wealth is all the byproduct of determination and hard work.
But not all success is created or viewed equally…nor should it be. For some, getting out from underneath a mountain of debt is success. For others, graduating from college and having a career defines success. And for countless others, creating a path to financial freedom is the key to
being successful.
For me, success is just that…creating financial freedom. And while others may spout their ideas for making millions, I prefer a much more realistic and moderate approach to things. And most importantly, my story is not just a how to tale…it’s my actual story.
And while this story has a happy ending…and hopefully those who read it will understand the hard work and dedication it takes to create financial freedom…there are many twists and turns that could have been the destruction of the very fabric that continues to motivate me today.
In the end, I hope my life lessons, the good and the bad, will help serve as a springboard for all seeking to achieve success in their own lives.
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