On Success Part II: A Few More Perspectives…
“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve.” Mary Kay Ash
Success is John James Audubon's stunning American Flamingo...
Recently, I re-read an old BBC News article – Donald Trump: The Secret of his Success. It was an interview conducted by Charles Miller, highlighting key elements that contributed to the iconic Mr. Trump’s remarkable business success. Mr. Miller identified the following six elements; The Big Apple, The Trump franchise, Trumpeting Trump, Too big to fail, new caution, and the Family business, as critical factors that shaped Mr. Trump’s success. There were other elements in the article, particularly in the article’s video clip interview with his children; don’t trust anyone, lead by example, work together and have some fun. All valuable advice for the success challenged… But what else can we add?
First, I’d re-frame the six Trump elements into everyday language; location, product, placement/pr, reputation/history/record, wisdom, and family. These elements create a clearer vision for our success driven efforts. When we combine these with innate skills, a resolve to succeed, timing, opportunity, recognition that possible failure is part of the equation, a certain je ne sais quoi and sheer luck, we might be on to something. What role has luck played in your success moments?
That certain je ne sais quoi is what some call destiny, kismet, karma, even luck… What makes one person successful while another with equal or greater talent and drive fails? William Jennings Bryan says in a quote “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.” Could it be the choices we make? or the hand we are dealt? This brings me back to the previous paragraph and the influence of luck. Are some people simply born with luck as their Midas touch?
Did I say Luck? Yes that is correct as even Mr. Trump knows this. A few years ago as keynote speaker at a real estate sales convention at the Jacobs Javits Center in New York, Mr. Trump shared from the podium that a certain percentage of success is based on luck. We take risks, we gamble on business deals, we work incredibly hard to bring transactions to closure and at the moment of truth, the deal works or falls apart. Luck places us in the path of those who will support our vision instead of negate it…
What are your thoughts? Do share below. Thank you!
Positive Motivation Tip: Follow your heart, pursue your dreams; let the chips fall where they may.
PHOTO CREDITS: American Flamingo by John James Audubon via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
I don’t really believe in luck… fate maybe, but not luck. What people call luck is usually the result of very hard work.
I also believe in a master plan. When I see some of the people that win the lottery and think how lucky they are, then discover a few years down the road they’ve lost everything and are miserable, I wonder what their lesson was in that.
Another thought provoking post! Thanks.
Fate and luck are tied in many instances… Like the Ted Williams story; you know, the destitute man with the great voice.
Fate brought the cameraman to connect him with luck and his new employer…
You know Barb, I was reading about that and a lot more winners keep their money than those who lose their money. The media tends to hype the negative stories more. 🙂
How are you doing?
Thanks!
E
I agree with Mr. Trump that luck plays a huge part in our success.
There are lots of people who work very hard and don’t get very far.
Hard work is part of the mythical American dream.
It takes more than that to be truly successful.
B
Yep… I concur.
Work smart not hard! 🙂
E