The Means
Some would say that the ends of success justify the means. One of my experiences in a "home-based" business used many questionable tactics to permit participants to attend meetings that were deemed necessary for anyone to reach specified levels of success. While I was never particularly comfortable with the cliches, I felt myself allowing them because of my yearning for the success they depicted. Fortunately, my common sense and inner convictions won out, and I committed to living by my core values and not those of an arrogant few.
To achieve your objective, you must have and use the necessary means. Let's consider the four mentioned by Aristotle:
Wisdom
One definition of wisdom is "the power of judging rightly." Wisdom is far more than mere knowledge. You always hear, "Knowledge is power." I'm not sure I agree. Knowledge certainly assists the process of succeeding, but just having knowledge without the ability to rightly judge its applicability does not provide the power to succeed. Wisdom weighs information obtained against the core values of life and doesn't allow for inappropriate compromise. One with wisdom establishes personal priorities that are inviolable, and judges everything in terms of what is right or wrong; better or best.
Money
When beginning to operate a "brick and mortar" retail store, one of my business friends warned, "Make sure you are properly capitalized." All of my enthusiasm and energy could not make up for the lack of money.
Some would have us believe that we merely need to stop paying our creditors in order to be able to afford the needed "tools" to succeed. May I suggest that pursuing a dream that involves a monetary investment should not depend on defaulting on your debts. They were voluntarily acquired, and you have the obligation to pay what you owe. Likewise, any venture that results in excess indebtedness without adequate return on "investment" sounds more like a scam than an opportunity.
Proper financial planning enhances the likelihood of success. Are you properly capitalized to be able to pursue your dream, whatever it is? Your success will, in large part, hinge on your ability to provide the monetary needs of your pursuit.
Materials
I recently replaced a wall in our home that had been destroyed by termites. When shopping for the materials that I would use to rebuild the wall, I sought the best product and/or value. It is no less important when seeking success in a chosen venture.
To what advice are you listening? Whose influence are you following? What is your source of encouragement or enlightenment? All of these provide the mental materials with which you will build your success.
What you use to "build" your dream is as important as the dream itself. Inferior advice or influence will produce an inferior result. Many of the sources of success material today are designed to produce wealth for the promoter. Go with your gut! Trust your own judgment. Be creative. Be true to your core values.
The difference between what is good and what is best is often a matter of degree. Do a thorough check of your dream building materials. Choose only the highest quality!
Methods
"It is in fact nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for what this delicate little plant needs more than anything, besides stimulation, is freedom. It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty." -- Albert Einstein
Read that quote again.
The "modern methods" of training people to succeed are often coercive rather than creative. While there is room for the tried and true, the "my way or the highway" methodology of many in the success business stifles the natural curiosity and searching that leads to true freedom.
Your methods of achieving your objective must be harmonious with your sense of what's right and effective. Choose only methods that lead toward your objective, permit creativity, and provide for genuine freedom.
We've considered defining your ideal/objective and having the necessary means to pursue it. Next time we'll look at The Way to Success -- Focus. See you then. Remember,
Always make a difference.
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