How does one measure success? Fame, wealth, career status etc Whatever your definition of success, one thing is for certain - success doesn't come cheap.
Drive, ambition, hard work, vision, passion, sacrifice, commitment and most importantly the ability to pick yourself up to name but a few are some of the key attributes possessed by change-makers however you define them to be. What would you say your main aspirations in life were? Whatever your priorities are they won't come to you, you've got to make them happen yourself.
When you have a paid job, turning up to your place of work is not so much a choice but an obligation. When you choose to take on a personal project however, dynamics suddenly change. Getting up in the morning, making that phone call, writing that letter, taking steps to put that plan into action, all become a choice and this is where the line is drawn between the ordinary and extraordinary. Finding that inner will to maintain momentum is a challenge for many. Best place to start is to associate yourself with others who share in your will. Saying that, the old good cop bad cop concept has a positive outcome to it. After all, you can't expect everyone to be on the same page as you. The bad cops I personally think are a source of inspiration. When your definition of impossible becomes a possibility due to the actions of the good cop, it may hopefully change your train of thought for the better.Statistics show that quite a significant number of start-ups close down within the first 5 years of being in operation. In the same way, very few who set off the be change makers finish the race. How many of us will make the sacrifices that the likes of Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi and Martin Luther king had to endure to bring about positive change.
Every opportunity I get to hear the stories of the change makers who have braved the storms against all odds to make a positive difference a common factor resonates, its never an easy ride. Before hearing their stories i'm sure everyone of them have an experience to share about the time when you almost loose the will to carry on, the point when everything seems to fall apart at the same time, the point when you find you are alone in your vision and the eventual point when you consider giving up. Yet here they are today standing tall with heads held high inspiring others with their success stories.
What do you want to be associated with? How will you be remembered? A colleague once said to me "talking to you brings out the best in me", another said "I have a lot of respect for you", a friend said "you pushed me to where I am today". Majority will never share in your vision nor believe in your dreams. The onus is on you to find that inner strength and keep the fire burning to make that dream a reality. When you hit a target, the feeling of achievement is best experienced. When you get there, never forget to appreciate and acknowledge those who supported and encouraged you along the way - however small their contribution.
So on that note, however the 2012 panned out to be for you, the world didn't end and you're still here. There's no time like the present so make that step towards reaching your goal and keep pressing on. Believe in yourself and shine in your path.
