| James Watt spent twenty years perfecting the steam engine. William Harvey worked for eight years to demonstrate how blood circulated in the human body, then for another twenty-five years trying to convince the medical establishment. Most of us underestimate the time it takes to achieve anything of lasting value. You've got to be willing to pay your dues. Cutting corners is a sign of impatience and poor self-discipline. The secret of every breakthrough is to follow through. Albert Gray says, 'The common denominator of all success lies in forming the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do.' If you find yourself continually giving in to your moods, you need to change your approach to doing things. To do this, you must set standards for yourself that require accountability. Suffering a consequence for not following through will keep you on track like nothing else. Once your new standards are in place, work according to them, not your moods; that will get you going in the right direction. Self-discipline is a quality that's won only through practice. Successful people have learned to do what doesn't come naturally. They are willing to confront discomfort, distractions and doubt, and act in spite of them. R. H. Macy, founder of Macy's department stores, failed at five different professions-whaler, retailer, gold miner, stockbroker, real estate broker-before he finally succeeded. When asked what sustained him through failure after failure he replied, 'Purpose and persistence.' That's what separates those who achieve from those who merely dream! It's why Paul wrote: 'Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.' |
