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Billy Arcement, MEd.
Professional Speaker

 

Failure or Success.  Which Do You Choose?

By Billy Arcement, M.Ed.

             No one sets out in life to fail.  The reality is that many do.  Why do some prosper while others struggle just to exist?  There is no simple answer to that question but here are a few thoughts that might shed some light into this very complex issue.

            (1) The future is in your imagination.  Humans are blessed with the ability to think into the future.  We can use our imagination to see possibilities.  Those who succeed see themselves in that role and, through the power of their imagination, bring their visions into reality.  What vision do you carry in your mind?  Is it one of hope or hopelessness?  Begin to use this unique gift in a positive way.  Build a vision of what you want to be, have or do.  It is the starting point of all successful activities.

            (2) To win, you must expect to win.  Once we imagine our future, we must wrap that vision with a belief system that encourages us to fulfill the vision.  Those who struggle with life have lost their ability to believe things will ever be different.  The truth is that every day offers another opportunity to change our circumstance and start our journey towards personal greatness.  We must see and believe.

            (3) We are surrounded by opportunity.  When speaking to audiences about opportunity, I often equate it to a merry-go-round ride I experienced as a youngster.  This particular ride had a brass ring holder placed near the merry-go-round.  As riders made the circle, they would reach out to grab a brass ring.  If successful, they could enjoy a free ride.  Life is very similar to that merry-go-round ride. 

            As we move through time, opportunities are abound.  All we have to do is recognize them as brass rings and reach out to grab them.  Like many of the children riding in my day who feared reaching out to capture the brass ring, low achievers are content to ride rather than risk reaching for the brass ring.  Capturing opportunity demands risk.  Are you a risk taker?

            (4) Like what you do or do something else.  Low achievers usually don’t like to work or don’t like the work they are doing.  It’s a no-brainer to understand that those who don’t want to work will never prosper.  For those who work, it is critically important that their work be a joyful experience.  Life is too short to work at a miserable job.  Look for ways to make your work interesting or improve your skills to improve your job opportunities.  Match your skills to your job requirements.  The closer the match, the more enjoyable the experience.

            (5) Your success depends on other people.  No man is an island.  We must interact with and receive the support of others.  Build a network of friends in your industry, community, and the world.  The more people you know, the more opportunity you have to find a resource in times of need.  Hang around people who are successful and possess a sound value system.  Get to know people of achievement.  Listen to their words, watch their actions and apply what works for you.

            (6) If you don’t ask, you will rarely receive.  Last week I attended a conference at which noted author and business consultant, Dr. Tom Peters spoke.  After his session, I purchased his latest book.  While in line to get the book autographed, a thought crossed my mind.  When I reached Peters, I told him that I would be willing to read his book if he would be kind enough to read mine.  He promptly gave me his address and promised to do so.  Now I don’t know if he will actually read my book but I sent it to him.  If you never ask, you will rarely receive.           

            (7) You become like your environment.  Not satisfied where you are?  Look around.  The power of your environment will either be your albatross or your springboard to success.  Exam your friendships.  Better to have no friends at all than one of the wrong kind of friend.  People born to poverty generally stay that way because they fail to change their environment or friends.  What role has your environment and choice of friends played in your success or failure to achieve?  Open your eyes and take a long, serious look.

            (8) Everyone can succeed.  We are all born with enough abilities to experience success.  Our task is to discover and develop those abilities.  Nothing comes easily.  Success demands hard work.  Are you willing to work that hard? 

 


This article is copyright 2000 Billy Arcement and The Results Group and cannot be published without permission from the author.

Billy Arcement is a highly respected and recognized expert on personal and organizational success techniques.  His messages are timely, inspirational, humorous, and filled with refreshing warmth and sincerity audiences have come to appreciate.    Always the teacher, Billy has dedicated his life to helping others reach their potential.  He knows how to instill a sense of action and purpose.  

He is the author of Searching for Success as well as numerous nationally published articles.  To get his free electronic newsletter, News from the Swamp, call 888-376-7374, email your request to barcement@eatel.net or visit our web site at www.searchingforsuccess.com.

 


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