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Effort will get you past fine line dividing failure, success
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Perseverance stands out during down times, when we so often are tempted to give up. One of the greatest pleasures in life is doing what people say you can't. When things seem bleakest, you have to carry on to succeed.
Oil magnate John D. Rockefeller added: "I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything -- even nature."
I'll never forget watching David Susskind's talk show years ago. He had three guests who were self-made millionaires. The men, in their mid-30s, had averaged being in a dozen businesses before they hit it big.
The line between failure and success is so fine that we are often on the line and do not know it. How many people have thrown up their hands at a time when a little more effort would have achieved success?
In business, prospects may seem the darkest when in reality they are about to turn around. A little more perseverance, and what seemed a hopeless failure may turn into a glorious success. There is no failure except in no longer trying.
History abounds with tales of perseverance. Theodore Geisel -- better known as Dr. Seuss -- died in 1991 at the age of 87. He wrote 47 books that sold more than 100 million copies in 18 languages. But most people don't know is that his first book was rejected by dozens of publishers before Vanguard Press picked it up.
Then there was a little girl from Tennessee who was born to face poverty, obesity, a broken home and physical abuse. Today, Oprah Winfrey is one of the world's most admired celebrities.
Similarly, there are many tales of experts who were convinced that the ideas, plans and projects of others could never be achieved. However, accomplishment came to those who said, "I can make it happen."
Even the great Thomas Edison discouraged his friend, Henry Ford, from pursuing his fledgling idea of a motorcar. Convinced that the idea was worthless, Edison invited Ford to come work for him. But Ford remained committed and tirelessly pursued his dream. Although his first attempt resulted in a vehicle with no reverse gear, Ford knew he could eventually make it happen. And, of course, he did.
"Forget it," the experts advised Marie Curie. They all agreed that radium was a scientifically impossible idea. But Madame Curie persisted.
Finally, as you read these accounts under the magnificent light of your environment, consider the plight of Benjamin Franklin. He was admonished to stop his foolish experiments with lightning. What an absurdity and waste of time! Why, nothing could outdo the fabulous oil lamp! Thank goodness Franklin knew he could make it happen.
You, too, can make it happen!
Mackay's Moral: Never give up. The mighty oak was once a little nut that held its ground.
Harvey Mackay is a Minneapolis businessman and author. Call his message line at the Star Tribune at 612-378-6208 or send e-mail to harvey@mackay.com. His column is distributed by United Feature Syndicate.
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