I'm convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.
Everyone says they go the extra mile. Almost no one actually does. Most people who do go there think, "Wait...no one else is here...why am I doing this?" And they leave, never to return.
That's why the extra mile is such a lonely place.
That's also why the extra mile is a place filled with opportunities.
Be early. Stay late. Make the extra phone call. Send the extra email. Do the extra research. Help a customer unload or unpack a shipment.
Don't wait to be asked--offer. Don't just tell employees what to do--show them what to do, and work beside them.
Every time you do something, think of one extra thing you can do...especially if other people aren't doing that extra thing.
Sure, it's hard. But that's what will make you different.
My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.
Deadlines and time frames establish parameters, but usually not in a good way. Most people given two weeks to complete a task will instinctively adjust their effort, so it actually takes two weeks--even if it shouldn't.
So, forget deadlines, at least as a way to manage your activity. Tasks should only take as long as they need to take. Do everything as quickly and effectively as you can. Then, use your "free" time to get other things done just as quickly and effectively.
Average people allow time to impose its will on them; exceptional people impose their will on their time.
Think about the type of people you want to work with. Think about the types of customers you would enjoy serving. Think about the friends you want to have.
Then change what you do so you can start attracting those people. Hardworking people want to work with hardworking people. Kind people like to associate with kind people.
Be the best you can be, and work to surround yourself with people who are even better.
Ask most people why they have been successful. Their answers will be filled with personal pronouns like "I" and "me." Only occasionally will you hear "we."
Occasionally, something completely outside our control will cause us to fail. Most of the time, though, it's us. And that's OK. Every successful person has failed. Numerous times. Most of them have failed a lot more often than we have. That's why they're successful now.
Ideas without action aren't ideas.
Think about a few of the ideas you've had, whether for a new business, a new career, or even just a part-time job.
You certainly won't get it right all the time, but if you do nothing and allow your ideas to become regrets...you will always get it wrong.
Someday you won't remember what you had...but you'll never forget what you did.
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