A young college graduate, determined to find a position with a reputable company, began seeking interviews. Although she faced continual rejection, her persevering talent kept her goals in mind. One busy personnel manager, flooded with applications, suggested the hopeful applicant check back in 10 years.
“No problem,” said the young woman. “Would a morning or afternoon interview work best for you?”
This young woman had what I call the three Ds – desire, determination and dedication. Desire is sometimes more important than talent. She knew what she wanted and was not going to get sidetracked. Desire, determination and dedication are necessary to keep your mind focused on reaching your goals. People with desire work harder, are obsessed with their goals and are driven by an intense thirst to be better. There are few shortcuts in life.
Only the truly dedicated people ever come close to attaining their goals. They won’t let anyone, or anything interfere with what they truly desire. Success starts with the desire to achieve something.
“To win, you have to have the talent and desire – but desire is first,” said golfing legend Sam Snead. Along with Snead, I had the privilege of playing in the St. Paul Open tournament back when I was playing college golf for the University of Minnesota.
Another golfing legend that played in the same tournament, Gary Player, said: “To succeed in life one must have determination and must be prepared to suffer during the process. If one isn’t prepared to suffer during adversities, I don’t really see how he (or she) can be successful.”
It is important to realize that not only must you know what you want, but you must really want what you want, if you are to get what you want.
Desire alone is not enough. To lack desire means to lack a key ingredient to success. Many a talented individual failed because they lacked desire. Many victories have been snatched by the underdog because he or she wanted it more. So, if you desire intensely and you act upon it, then everything stands within your reach. Dedication is the key that unlocks doors to great opportunities.
I like to say, if you don’t climb the mountain, you can’t see the view. In most cases, IQ is less important to a person’s education than I will.
Take care!
Prof. Carl Boniface
Source: Harvey Mackay
Harvey Mackay is a seven-time, New York Times best-selling author of "Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive", and "Beware The Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt." Both books are among the top 15 inspirational business books of all time, according to the New York Times.