~Vince Lombardi
I just love motivational sayings. They inspire us with words of wisdom. They make us want to start the day with determination.
Unfortunately for me they usually don’t last very long. It only takes a few minutes or the first obstacle, and I am right back to where I was before.
So, I asked myself, “Why is that?” Is it that the words or the thoughts from all of the great motivational leaders and speakers mean nothing? Are they shallow? Certainly no one will deny that people like Vince Lombardi are great motivators. But, why is it that I have to be continually motivated. I believe. I want to. What is wrong?
Then it hit me. The answer as to why just may be in my inability to understand the words – the real meaning. When I was a young boy growing up in church, I remember the minister –always in a “ministerial” tone – quoting the verse “He has become as sounding brass and tinkling cymbal.” I remember that everyone in the small country church would always seem to agree with a hearty Amen! I am now 60 years old, and I have to admit that I really do not know what the scripture means. Is it good or bad?
Vince Lombardi’s quote above is right on. However, I took it at only face value. I agree with it, but I don’t get any better. Why?
“Success is like anything worthwhile.” The real key to the quote being relevant for me is to first determine what success really is. How can I achieve it if I really don’t know what it is? After all if you can’t define it how do you know if and when you achieve it? What is success anyway?
“It has a price. You have to pay the price to win and you have to pay the price to get to the point where success is possible.” This just might be the key. Do we really know what the price is? Most people don’t mind paying the price. We just really aren’t sure what the price is for the success we desire. And for many, we spend too much time paying the wrong price. It is sort of like when people say that we have to learn to accept responsibility. I don’t mind accepting it, but I am not sure that I can define what my responsibility is. But, it does sound good.
Have you ever hear someone say, “I am working hard and long hours and I don’t seem to be getting anywhere.” Perhaps the price is not the long hours. Maybe, just maybe, the real price is working smarter, getting help, or simply backing away to see what is really happening.Maybe the real answer is to first determine what success is. Then figure out what the defined price really is. Next you can figure out what you need to pay and what the price to say there really is.
I know. It is a lot easier in the grocery store. The price is right below the item.
Don HutsonAugust, 2010
Source: Don Hutson
