Our society has become obsessed with the quick and easy way to get results, but history has shown that nothing great has ever been achieved without someone making a sacrifice. I want to stress this fact now because if you are not prepared for this sacrifice, stop reading, and close your browser. You are already a huge success in life, but it requires you to make a sacrifice and “LOCK IN” on your vision. Imagine a clear picture in your mind and continue to believe someday “I Will.” We are what we believe! We must visualize our wants, desires, and goals. I have been defeated in many personal struggles over the years, but I always remained “LOCKED IN” and overcame them. Understanding how to “LOCK IN” on your vision is what separates achievers from dreamers.
Not fulfilling my purpose or achieving my vision was never an option for me, because I have this unexplainable burning desire to win. I routinely work 16-hours a day to accomplish my goals. I tolerate the stress, the hardships, and the shortcomings so that one-day I can experience the incomparable high that accompanies achievement. I love the value that I create for others through my various endeavors … this is not work … it’s my lifestyle. Thomas Edison worked in his laboratory nonstop – often for two and three days straight without sleep – because he was obsessed with inventing the light bulb. I am similarly obsessed with fulfilling my purpose, achieving my vision, and being the best I possibly can be; successful people seem to get stronger by the hour. Work becomes play, a game. Have you tapped into this desire for your own life?
Successful people refuse to be broken. I have experienced anger, frustration, resentment, depression, grief, and fear … we all have experienced these emotions at one time or another. They immobilize most people. Not me. I am so “LOCKED IN” on my vision that I ignore all distractions (including people). Successful people have failures, but we control our response by using failure to improve.
The economic crisis and the “Great Recession” that followed have caused extraordinary losses to many in the form of jobs, homes, and financial security. “Crisis is an attitude, not an outcome.” How do you respond to crisis and setbacks? I view them as opportunities. I learn substantially more when I do something wrong, than when I do it right. A crisis is simply part of the learning process – part of the process that builds and shapes our character. Yes, I struggle with frustration and anger when I make a mistake. Yes, I get down when things do not go the way I planned, but I refuse to stay down. My grandfather used to tell me, “people do not drown by falling into the water; they drown by staying there.” When there is adversity and pain, there is opportunity to achieve greatness.
Yes, being successful means being the target of criticism. Many people have failed to reach their goals or develop a vision, so they are disheartened, hurting inside, and they feel better when they steal the dreams of others. Sadly, many of the people around you do not want to see you do well while they continue to stagnate. Ignore them and “LOCK IN”!!!
I know many people with plans about what they intend to do, but the trouble is they never implement their plans. These people are successful in theory, but a vision without action is just a dream, a wish. I too often hear, “Next week, we plan on doing this,” or “Next year we are going to get started on that.” Do it now, take action, and “LOCK IN”!!!
I have not asked you to do anything that I have not already been doing. I do not know why I am the way I am. Many people comment about my unbelievable schedule and work ethic. They think I am naturally disciplined. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, I am disciplined and focused – but not naturally. Something inside of me will not allow me to be average. I want to be somebody that makes a contribution to this world. I want my God, my child, and my family to be proud of me. And, if you are like me, “LOCKING IN” is paramount. It is the foundation for fulfilling purpose and achieving vision.
My grandfather once told me that every morning in South Africa a gazelle wakes up knowing it must run faster than the fastest lion or be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest gazelle or starve to death. It does not matter if we are gazelles or lions. When the sun comes up we had better be running!!
I am #LOCKED IN!!!
