I read a very interesting article called, “What Seperates The Have’s From The Have Not’s In Life”. The article was about two men who went to the same collage, had similar grades and were both very personable people. They were very much alike, and both went on to work at the same company. 25 Years later, one of the men was a manager of a small department within the company. The other was the company president. After telling this story, the article then askes, “What made the different in their lives?”
And that ‘something’ is truly what separates the have’s from the have-not’s, the middle managers from the company presidents, the average couch potato from the extremely motivated fitness enthusist.
As Socrates said, “an unexamined life is not worth living.”
The sad reality is that most people rarely take the time to think about WHO they are and WHY they are the way they are, do what they do, say what they say.
Instead they just react…salivating at the sound of the bell much like Pavlov’s dogs.
There are definitely times when thinking too much just gets in the way. It can actually interfere with performance, or stop you from even trying to perform.
But even that is worthy of thought, isn’t it? (You can really go deep with this stuff.)
OK, let’s get to our question for you…our little quiz.
And there is only one correct answer.
Let’s see if you can get it right. Everyone who does will be entered into a drawing to win a VERY valuable prize. I promise the winner will not be disappointed. And really, you win just by participating, because this gets you thinking analytically – and that’s a good thing.
Here’s the question…
All other things being equal (just like the two young men in Conroy’s letter), what is it that separates the “have’s” from the “have not’s”…
…at the most fundamental level?
It is truly the ultimate success secret.
Now, it’s not a character trait, like self-discipline, determination or perseverance, for example.
It’s not your values or your principles, although they play a role.
It could be considered a “behavior” – but it’s NOT something you physically do.
It occurs only in your mind.
So it’s NOT “action” – or “intelligent action” – or “informed action” – or “massive action.” All of which are often referred to as the ultimate success secret.
The answer I’m looking for…PRECEDES action.
It’s what happens before any action can occur.
That’s why I say it is what separates the have’s from the have-not’s at the most FUNDAMENTAL level.
The answer is just one word, and using either the noun or verb is acceptable.
OK, that’s enough clues. Go ahead and post your answer in the comments section below. Write as much or as little as you feel is necessary – but correct answers MUST include either the noun or verb form of the word. We’ll announce the winner, and the killer prize, early next week.
Noodle it through – unless it’s nose-on-your-face obvious to you already.
Have fun and good luck.
Jeff and Vern Gauthier
P.S. If you’re not sure of the answer, think this through BEFORE reading others’ comments – it’s a great mental exercise. Then, if you’re still not sure…you can cheat a bit
NOT
the word NOT
motivation
DESIRE
Could it be “esteem”?
Attitude!!
Desire.
I think it is your BELIEF or CONVICTION that you can do anything you want to, anything you set your mind to do.
Motivation
It is the same thing that differentiates two individuals facing the same difficult challenges in life. How we react to the hurdles is what makes each of us unique. It is the attitude that we carry to deal with those ups and downs that bring out who we are as individuals. In business like in the example above, if we perceive ourself as a winner in achieving our goals then guess what, it will happen. The positive attitude drives our actions toward success. If you see no other option but success, then that is what will happen. How you perceive yourself and your abilities makes all the difference.
Forethought
It’s gotta be making a CHOICE to do something
Thought
Great comments! I will let you know by Wednesday what the word is.
I am going to open it up to our facebookers.
Good luck
Vern
Determination
positive thinking (verb)or thought (noun)
you have to believe.
The answer is GOALS. Having them and writing them down!
Reading them every day.
Motivation!
Motivation/ Motivate
Commitment/ commited
perseverance
Those endless decisions