Knock, Knock, Knockin'

16 January, 14

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." 
Thomas Edison 

My daddy and I were having an intense discussion about something of incredible importance one day. I was about 12 or 13, so it probably revolved around sports, as I still did not have a clue about girls (I still don't). I said something along the lines, "If only Clemson (or insert some other sports team) had done _________, we would have won the game."

Daddy replied, "If only a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass on a lily pad." Profound wisdom from the Hartsville Magi. 

It took me a while to appreciate what that really meant, but now it is a truism, around which, I build my life. The "If only's" will suck you down into the mire of pessimism and paralysis.

If only I was:

• richer
• taller
• smarter
• faster
• stronger
• blah, blah, blah

If we take an honest look into the mirror, we must admit that these are only excuses for inaction. The difference between success and failure lies, not in some magical set of ingredients, but more in persistence and a dogged pursuit of our goals.

About 15 years ago, I wrote down a list of goals. Last May, When we were eschewing most of our worldly possessions in preparation for coming to Spain, I found the list. One of them was to learn Spanish. Another one was to generate sufficient passive income to retire from the traditional workforce by age 40. 

"Missed it by that much." Maxwell Smart 

It is funny how your goals stick with you, especially when they are cemented in your mind by writing them down on a simple piece of paper. Perhaps there is some neurological connection between fingers, eyes and mind.

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” 

Napoleon Hill 

My next goal is to become a published author and speaker. Significant advantages arise from this enterprise. As long as I am submitting content to publishers, I can write off some of my expenses, such as living abroad. I might even need to travel to other places for more research. Booyah!

Writers write. If only I had the discipline... Well, I am not the most disciplined person on Earth, so this is my next challenge to overcome. Saying I don't have time is a joke. 

Here are five steps to achieving a goal:

1. Write it down.
2. Change your attitude.
3. Surround yourself with people who can help you.
4. Eliminate wasteful activities. (Facebook, TV, etc.)
5. WORK!

What challenge are you facing? Are you going to let it stifle you into submission or stimulate you to action? Go get that piece of paper, and write down your goals. Then get busy!

For nothing is impossible with God. God