The Foundation Goes First

If you have ever built a structure of any kind, you know that a good foundation is vital to it being able to stand and be used.  However, foundations are not one size or kind fits all.  Depending on the size of the structure, what it is made of and its use will dictate the type of foundation, how deep it is, the materials it is built with and its thickness.  It takes knowledge, skill and the right equipment to build a proper foundation.  So it is with success.

                Building success in life is far more than just having a goal and going for it.  To make your success last and to be the best you can be, there must be a solid and proper foundation that you build on.  As in the quote above, Sharon Lechter gives the three key materials all success must be built on. 

"Optimism, positivity and faith create the foundation from which success can be built."

- Sharon Lechter

Author/Businesswoman

                Optimism, positivity, and faith are all separate and distinct materials in your building of success, however, true success will not last unless all three are used together.  If one is missing, the remaining two are weakened and become inferior.  All three are needed to make your foundation for success strong.  Here is why:

Optimism: The Hope for the Future

                The optimistic person is not one who has some kind of Pollyanna outlook of the world.  They are not “wishful thinkers” who hope it will all work out in the end.  Optimism is the ability to create and follow a vision of success.  To be optimistic is not wishing for a better future, but creating one.  The optimist has a clear, well-defined goal and a plan in order to get it.  They do not ignore the challenges ahead, but rather embrace them knowing that they are not victims of circumstances but the creator of their circumstances.  They know that their life’s goals, their purpose, was given to them by God and they have a reason for being.  With the God of the universe behind you, how can you fail?  It is as author and pastor, Louise Giglio said, “God’s plan for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day.”

Positivity: The Attitude of Success

                Many think that optimism and positivity are one in the same.  They are not at all.  They build on each other and you really cannot have one without the other, but they are different.  Optimism looks to the bright and exciting future, while positivity is an attitude you live with day by day.  Like the optimist, positive people do not see the world through some unrealistic pair of rose-colored glasses.  In fact, I believe that positive people see things for what they really are more than most.  They are just not defeated by what they see.  Positive people know that every problem or challenge has an answer.  They also know that they will find that answer.  Positive people are not afraid to work hard and keep going when others fall by the wayside.  This attitude is one that fills their lives and affects how they see and do everything. 

Faith: They Rock All Success is Built On

                Faith is the element that makes optimism and positivity possible.  Faith is more than believing that God has a plan for your life and that you can succeed in that plan.  Faith is knowing that to be true.  There is a difference between believing and knowing.  When you know something for a fact you are more likely to act on that fact.  The person who has faith that every problem has an answer and knows that they will achieve their goals, no matter what, they are the ones who see success in life.  There is no doubt, of worry and no possibility of failure.

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey.  To get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. Be sure to sign up for the free membership and get even more tools to help you achieve your dreams.  

© 2017 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without permission of the author.