Today’s quote comes to you from Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich. And, if you’re AT ALL interested in the personal development journey (which, Hey! You’re here!), it has been said that people often start their journey with this very text!
And, for those of you that haven’t read it yet – long story short: Napoleon traveled around the country and interviewed 500 of the most successful people of his age (early 20th century) and THIS is what he found…He discovered that success DID NOT have to do with where you grew up or what school you went to (we can all let out that sigh of relief here!), but instead success was more so based off of mental assets, attitude, habits, AND…(can you take a wild guess?!) continuous effort and struggle!
It’s a truth that’s hard to swallow but it is definitely a truth. And, it means that achieving the things we want in life is going to be hard, and it’s going to be work. The struggle may not be as continuous as the effort will, BUT it is definitely a guaranteed part of the equation (AKA the struggle is REAL, ya feel?). And, what we love about this quote is that it really helps us understand that we have to have CLARITY as to what we want to grow towards – because, it’s going to take continuous effort and struggle to get there – and if you are only sorta kinda clear as to what your striving towards, the hardships that are bound to come your way will have you quittin’ before you even get out the gates!
Struggle is one of those things that gets thrust upon you – and it’s painful – but whether or not you ALLOW it to change your efforts and make you quit the dream, is up to you! And, this is where Napoleon’s principle of determination really comes in. Because, when we have clarity on this principle and have that reason WHY to remind ourselves, we understand it is all part of the process and the path. So – when the struggle bus does hit, we are able to RIDE IT, instead of jumping ship!
While we often look at the end game of success and WANT it, we sometimes fail to realize all that it pertains (the good, the bad, and the ugly)! Because – in total truth – that effort and struggle KEEPS GOING even when the WORLD is in an effort and struggle!…I mean…talk about STRUGGLE…this pandemic is no walk in the park (even keeping that 6 feet of distance)!
This week was hard on our world..that’s no secret. And, next week ain’t lookin’ that great either….BUT – when we are able to understand Napoleon’s philosophy – and the time does come where max effort and struggle are required (like in this very moment!) – we are prepared to give it all, and sacrifice through the struggle in order to continue achieving what we aspire towards!
Dreaming of personal development, but not ready to put in that max effort just yet? We’re here for you! Start off slow and steady with our 5 minute, mini podcast episodes here!
