Success is not a lazy man's game

 

You see in our efforts to climb ladders of professional and personal success we must remember that each of us owes our accomplishments to someone who believed in us with all of their heart. I know for me I have had several mentors who have made my life so much better. My mother and my father are first on that list along with my brother. Additionally, one of my college professors, Dr. Challace McMillin really helped to mold me into the person I am today.

 

The guidance of others who believe in you serves as great fuel for your present and future successes. However, even with mentorship there needs to be an element of work ethic to raise your game to the next level. One of the other great commentaries in Denzel Washington's book is the work ethic and determination of those who are successful and their understanding of the responsibility their achievements brings. In essence, you can guide someone, but if they don't want to put in the work then it won't matter.

 

I've had my fair share of time with people where they have reached great levels of success because they were willing to be coached and they had a burning fire to work harder than the next person. The number one question people come to me for is "how can I grow my business?" I tell everyone the same answer and it is not magic or something very profound. It is very simple. What is it? You have to be willing to learn from others who are more successful than you and you must be willing to do things other people are not willing to do. Period.

 

When colleagues are not making time for important events to go to then be the one person who doesn't make excuses and goes to the those events. When your colleagues are out for business for only themselves, make it your top priority to work hard and drive business to others. When your colleagues don't follow through with you, always follow through with them and anyone you become acquainted with. When your colleagues are trying to do everything by themselves, go out and find someone to mentor and train you.

 

You must be a BEAST in your profession. You must have an ravenous desire to completely dominate in terms of your work ethic. There's no other way of getting around it. Success is not a lazy man's game. Excuses are for those who are not serious about reaching the pinnacle of their profession. If you want to be great and experience a high level of success then you must be willing to be mentored and you must be willing to outdo your counterparts.

 

I'll leave you with this...after losing the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics a few year ago, there was a story circulating that Kobe Bryant was so upset that he immediately practiced after the finals for the next season because he couldn't stand defeat and he wanted to get back and win the NBA Championship. He also enlisted the guidance of legendary NBA player Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest centers in the history of the game, so that he could work on, and improve his post-up moves.

 

That's how bad Koby Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of our time, wanted to be successful in his business. He couldn't wait to improve his game by working hard and being coached. Settling for second has never been in his vocabulary and it shouldn't be in your vocabulary either.