Sometimes you can find inspiring quotes and motivation in the most unlikeliest of places. I am one who seeks wisdom in philosophy, self-development, spiritual and history books, but I am not above capturing something that ticks my box of interest within my head unexpectedly. For instance, I was watching The Voice UK last week (hey it’s ok while it’s at the spinning chairs stage!) and heard the following quote by Danny O’Donoghue:
“You don’t get anywhere from being handed something. You get to places from getting knocked down and getting back up again.”
Although it may seem a simple quote on the face of it, for me it completely summed up the idea of trying to get something for nothing. The summation being that it is a complete fantasy to think we ever get anything we do not earn. Millions of people lead lives hoping that some magic twist of fate will save them from their low self-esteem and complete lack of faith in their own abilities, and bring about a fortune that will solve their life’s troubles. But unfortunately it is not going to happen, I’m sorry. Either you get better, or life will not get better.
I know the obvious counter argument to this as well; the people who may have stumbled into a fortune or won the National Lottery. People love to buy into the idea that they could be the lucky person that wins the lottery, perhaps unaware of the fact that you are statistically more likely to die while watching the lottery, than actually winning it. But even winning the lottery will only change the financial aspect of your life. Real growth comes from dedicated and committed self development, the reading and application of great ideas that help you become more valuable as a human being. Being handed something or stumbling into a fortune does not achieve this.
Society is addicted to the idea of getting something for nothing, or hoping that luck will someday shine on them. That is why in the UK there are gambling shops everywhere and even more advertising of online gambling sites than ever before. People are spending money, not on investing in their own growth (which would be a much better choice) but by hoping their luck will change. We are all guilty of it, of course I have played the Lottery in the past, and whilst I choose not to play anymore, I completely understand the excitement of watching the numbers come through, hoping that some kind of magic is about to happen in your life.
The sad truth is though, believing in getting something without earning it, in fact makes you weaker and less likely to become successful. Say for instance I have £200 and offer to split it between 2 people. For the first person though I simply give them £100, and for the other person I make them do a day’s work before giving them their £100. I have in fact made the person I handed the £100 to weaker. Simply because the 2nd person will learn that they have to work and act before receiving the pay off, whereas the first person will believe that no action is required, before achieving what he or she wants. People can remain like this their whole lives.
What people don’t like to hear is that it takes time and a lot of perseverance to reap the real rewards of personal growth. Danny O’Donoghue’s band The Script took 7 years after forming to release their major record label debut album. It came about not by having anything handed to them, but by working hard, keeping going and never giving up, even after being knocked down. Therefore, a person and band well placed to gain some inspiration from when it comes to success.
The things that actually put our all into getting are the things that will matter to us most at the end of our lifetime. Many wonder why those who are given fame without having to work for it usually end up having tragic downfalls. Ultimately it is because they are given the benefits and rewards of someone who worked extremely hard without doing the hard work, and instead of being wise and careful, end up being careless because they didn't have to work too hard to be where they are.
ReplyDeleteWhen you work hard for something you will value it way more than if you had just been given it. It is ok to be blessed and to receive blessings, but remember to stay focused, continue to work hard, be humble, and stay dedicated to your craft. Never take anything in life for granted, and remember that if something or someone comes way too easy, you may want to think heavily about whether it is really for you or if it isn't.
Wise words Bowers, truly wise words. The fame point is a very good one and that goes for lottery winners too. Many of them end up losing it all, or even committing suicide, because they simply haven't grown to meet their new found, and handed to them, wealth. We all must pay the price that real success demands.
ReplyDelete"It is ok to be blessed and to receive blessings, but remember to stay focused, continue to work hard, be humble, and stay dedicated to your craft." - Could not agree more, and a great point!