I think the most important lesson that Orrin Woodward has taught me is that success is largely based on work ethic and courage.
I know that when I look at my life and look at the things I am most proud of, it always starts with the things for which I put all the chips in the middle of the table and sold out by working as hard as I could. I don't mean working hard to be busy, as so many people do on a daily basis, but working towards a worthwhile goal and/or dream. I remember Kristine and I running for financial freedom and never feeling more alive then knowing I was out there giving it everything I had. Maximum Effort=Complete Satisfaction. I feel that same way now as we run towards a big goal. The feeling that I have when I walk into a quiet house at night knowing that we are paying the price is literally priceless! The best thing about running with the LIFE community is that it is a community of men and women who strive for excellence.
Along with working hard, courage is the other component of success. When I was young I always looked at courage as the heroic event: Saving someone's life or some amazing act of courage. I now know that real courage isn't only one huge act of greatness, but instead, small, daily steps towards greatness! It's these small acts of courage that bring big results. Stepping out and doing things that are uncomfortable, having the crucial conversation to resolve a conflict, or just leading your family by example. All of us have things in our lives right now that take our courage to move forward. Our ability to push through the paper thin wall to move on to the next "small act of courage" is the key to lasting success.
The real questions for you to answer are: Are you giving it your all? Are you addressing the next small act of courage needed to move toward success? If you answer yes to both of these, then lasting success in that area is yours! If you answered no, the good news is you can change that and you can begin TODAY!
Marc, I couldn't agree more with you. Giving your maximum effort, although exhausting, can give another E - exhiliration! I've been running hard lately, and while I haven't had a ton of what the business defines "success", I have had alot of little successes that have come through being courageous, through being persistent and from applying basic principles. When I see pieces of the puzzle coming together, it is fun and rewarding, and just knowing that I am doing what the average person won't do - well, that gives me pause and that exhilirating, knowing reassurance that success is just around the corner!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you have done in leading by example!
Carla Girard
You're right Carla - your success is just around the corner! Tonya and I are super-proud to be working with the tow of you and can see the fire in each of your eyes. Share that fire when you connect with your prospects and they will see a couple that it moving on! And then watch out . . .
Delete:)
Carla,
ReplyDeleteSo proud to be in business with the Girards. This community is all about little successes that lead to big successes! Thanks for all you do!
"Maximum Effort=Complete Satisfaction"...Truth.
ReplyDeleteHey Marc, I love your article and it's perfect timing for me. I'm always so surprised that at my age and after the many hours of leadership cds and books, I still find myself intimidated by certain situations. It's so uncomfortable, yet necessary to have those crucial conversations, knowing that it's not short term comfort I'm pursuing, but my goals and dreams! I know that the small steps of courage will be the very steps it takes to achieve success in ANY area of my life. Thanks for you article!
ReplyDeleteI've never been prouder than I am right now... locking arms with the other Revolution LEADERS to SHOCK the world in January!!! ALL IN!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThere is a new kind of hero emerging in our communities today. A hero that is quietly resolved to running for a goal, dedicated to building belief in others, passionately committed to raising a new generation bound to excellence and a renewed sense of patriotism, and sold out in humble obedience to a mighty God. Marc, I believe you are that type of hero and I am proud to stand with you.
ReplyDeleteWell said Terry!
DeleteMaximum Effort=Complete Satisfaction! I love this quote. Regardless of results, the times I'm most proud of myself are the times I collapse in bed at night knowing I've given everything I could have to move my life forward while making a positive impact in other people lives during the course of the day.
DeleteMarc,
ReplyDeleteGreat article, June and I were just saying how great that feeling is after you step out of your comfort zone and do something that you normally wouldn't do. Some of the things are small but still need courage to do, the exhileration is incredible and can boost you into the next small step. Thanks for all you and Kristine do.