Oh Yes You Can!

We have all heard some successful people say, “If I can do it, so can you.” While I do agree with that statement, I feel it is incomplete and a bit misleading. The full statement should be, “I worked hard and did what needed to be done to get the results I got. If you are willing to do the same, you can get the same results.” Success is available to everyone if you are willing to do what successful people do.

Success-minded people know there are no short cuts on the road to success. I have often had issues with those who tell people they can be successful at something (no matter what it is) in their spare time. It never works that way. Yes, there are many opportunities out there that will offer success, and you can meet the people who have done it. What you do not find is someone who did it in their spare time. Success takes work, full-time work. 

“That some achieve great success is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.”

Abraham Lincoln

1809-1865

16^th U.S. President

The fact that others have had success does show that you too can succeed; however, you have got to remember that it did not just happen to them. Businessman Arnold H. Glasow said, “Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” Others can make way for you to follow. You can learn from their mistakes and their successes, but they cannot do it for you. Your success is up to you as their success was up to them.

Success-minded people know that there are many universal principles that they can and must follow to succeed at anything. These are things like a positive attitude, service to others, integrity, hard work, a teachable spirit, a desire to learn, and belief that you can succeed. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright said, “The thing always happens that you believe in, and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” You will find these principals in every truly success-minded person.

The details for your particular dream are there too. Find someone who succeeded in doing what you desire to achieve. Learn what they did and do the same, minus the mistakes, of course. Hang out with positive, success-minded people. Pay attention to what they say and do. The success you see in others can be yours if you learn and trust in the lessons if you have the dream, that potential to achieve it is there in you. You only have to bring it out and live the dream.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.