I have lived many lifetimes inside this one, have learned a few things and will continue to do so. As a child, I was classified as a Genius by my I.Q. and I gave 100% effort while pouring concrete foundations and footings, putting up over 14,000 bales of hay each year and failing drastically at school. I earned poor grades, didn't like following rules if I felt they didn't make sense and finally tested out of high school early to move on to college. So at this point, I wouldn't say I was successful in anything, though I had been giving hard work and had test scores to show I was super intelligent.
I tell this brief story because there are reasons for my lack of success that would come to me in hindsight. Any or all of these reasons can determine success or failure in both your personal life as well as your business. I share them in hopes you see a spot or two that may help you.
1. FEEL YOU ARE ENTITLED TO SUCCESS
Growing up poor and having been dealt the life I had up to that point, I can say I felt the world owed me something. This is common in our kids today at an even greater level and for even more reasons. Children hear how great they are and how much potential they have their whole life, then play games where everybody wins. They earn degree's from certain Universities and feel deserving because of it, or maybe feel entitled simply because they are so intelligent.
In the real world what you get out is a direct result of what you put in. There is no doubt that intelligence, hard work and even a little bit of luck will be part of your success. However, it is still something that must be earned to some degree.
2. BELIEVING IN YOURSELF
Intelligent people can really lack in believing they are "enough". I have ventured into many ideas, reached a certain point and felt I needed to bring someone in who knew more than I did. Many of those times I knew more than the other person, but it gave me comfort knowing that another intelligent person was there to support me. I would eventually realize that I was "enough" and you should too. When others ask you for help on a task it's because they feel you will have the answer. When others invited you to lunch or to have a drink, it's because they enjoy being around you.
3. RISK, CHANGE AND REACHING OUT
It's natural to be comfortable with people you know in a commonplace that doesn't change. Get Up and Get Out! Begin to get past the risk by reading reason 2, Believing in Yourself! Your peers, parents, and others have told you that you have a good idea. Believe them! Next is Change. The only thing in life that doesn't change is the fact that things are going to change. You must be open to change or the world will pass you by. It's really that simple. The only thing you can control is you and the rest of the world aren't waiting for you, in fact most of them don't know you exist. Now go change that! Finally, Reaching Out. This is what it takes to make any person or business successful. As the world changes, so does everything around us. We have new neighbors and new businesses all the time. New trends that people follow, regardless of who they make sense to. Just look at Goat Yoga. I know that you have the intelligence and work ethic to be mentally sound as an individual and the strength of supporters to run a successful business. Impress me by reaching out, keeping up with changing times and pushing through the fear of risk to come up with something better than Goat Yoga.
4. PERFECTION PARALYSIS
Intelligent people can have super high standards for their work. This seems like a great trait on the surface, but can be detrimental. They can be their worst critic, often critiquing their own work so much that it's never finished. Sometimes it is best if this individual can put a person or staff in place to make the final decision of completion.
5. SQUIRREL!
I find that intelligent and hard-working individuals know the value of their time and hate wasting it. This is a great attribute to have until the next shiny object comes along and they are like the dog Dug in the movie Up... Squirrel! This has the exact opposite effect of their intentions, as they end up with several incomplete projects which without completion are exactly that, a waste of their valuable time.
6. COMMITMENT
"Whether it's right or wrong, just do something." or "I'd rather see you do something wrong than to see you standing there doing nothing." Two quotes from Mr. Cardin in Springfield, MO that have stuck with me for a lifetime. Along with "Anytime you can control the situation you better do it at that moment because you may not get that opportunity again." from Larry Kittoe in Kansas City, MO.
You see, Intelligent people can struggle with a commitment for all or any of the previous character traits. The two men who I quoted above were intelligent and hard-working, but had figured out this whole commitment issue and gave me some "tools" to move forward in life. Maybe they will help you in the future when you are in a tough situation.
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