Achieving a level of success, a level we can be comfortable with personally, varies with expectations and goals. Often we compare our level of success with that of someone we admire or, in fact, someone we envy. We want what they have. We want to be where they are in life. We want overnight succcess.
This desire for overnight success, fame, and fortune, is what fuels public fascination with celebrities. Celebrities seem to live the abundant life. They have financial wealth that affords them any luxury they might desire. What is not seen is their struggle to get there. The key ingredient to their success is high self esteem. Celebrities will tell you that they always believed that they can do what they set out to do and do it well. They do not falter or lose confidence. They do not allow fear of failure to stop them.
Someone once said - "Overnight success takes about 15 years." There are exceptions but for most famous people it was a long road to get to their destination at the top. It might not take you that long, depending on the level of success you are trying to achieve and how many obstacles you must overcome, but it will take unwavering focus.
I was a factory worker when a chance meeting opened a door that would change my life. But, like any success story, you have to go through the door, without fear, and be prepared to work towards success. My co-workers laughed at me, yet, within 9 months I was on Radio as a News Anchor/Reporter. Within two years I was a Television News Anchor. Within three years I was News Director.
It was work and fun at the same time. My attitude was - I can learn to do this. It took 9 months of consistent work on a daily basis before I landed that first radio job. It was only part time on Sundays but my foot was in the door and I worked even harder to gain the respect of my peers and the notice of the boss. Once I had proven myself, promotions and more money rapidly followed. For me, overnight success took about two years of hard work and focus.
The struggle of one successful man kept me going. Look at his struggle for success.
Failed in Business - Bankruptcy.
Defeated for Legislature one year later.
Sweetheart/Fiancee Dies three years later.
Nervous Breakdown one year later.
Defeated in Election in the same year.
Defeated for U.S. Congress seven years later.
Defeated again for U.S. Congress three years later.
Defeated once again for U.S. Congress two years later.
Defeated for U.S. Senate seven years later.
Defeated for U.S. Vice President one year later.
Defeated again for U.S. Senate two years later.
After 29 years of obstacles he was Elected President of the United States.
This was the struggle of President Abraham Lincoln!
If you had been faced with this many obstacles, would you have quit somewhere along the way? In your own journey towards success, are you ready to quit? Have you ever quit? Has anyone ridiculed your efforts, laughed at you, told you that you'll never amount to anything?
Do you want overnight success? Forget it and just remember Abraham Lincoln's struggle and keep at it!
