The Winning Formula — Part 1
I hosted The Life Course a few weeks ago in Liverpool with over 40+ young adults and students in attendance.
In the first of a 2-part series, we explored four fundamental qualities for living a truly fulfilled life. In this post, I outline two of them.
Beyond an excellent IQ, communication prowess and ability to connect with the right people, the winning formula that guarantees and sustains true success has a lot more to do with our inward character than outward actions. A life of purpose and true greatness is built inside out, not the reverse.
GRIT: Live courageous
“Heroes are never perfect, but they’re brave, they’re authentic, they’re courageous, determined, discreet, and they’ve got grit.— Wade Davis
Those who succeed in their calling and leave an indelible mark possess grit; the courage and determination to stay the course no matter the pebbles life throws at them. It’s one thing to have a clear focus about your goal; it takes grit to refuse to give up when things get tough and the goal seems unreachable.
Grit is a guaranteed winning formula to succeed in life. People that lack grit are easily overcome by challenges. Know your goal in life? You need grit. If you’re going to live a life of purpose, do it courageously.
“Over time, grit is what separates fruitful lives from aimlessness. — John Ortberg.
I’ve been confronted many times with the choice to either quit or live courageous. I’ve been confronted many times with the choice to either give up or stay up. Life has thrown more pebbles at me than I can remember (and still does). But I’ve learned to choose courage over fear.
When it looks impossible, grit can make all the difference. If you’re faced with a similar choice, choose grit. Refuse to throw in the towel on your journey to a purposeful life.
It takes grit to succeed. It takes grit to live with purpose. Life takes grit!
Self-discipline: Start with you!
Personal discipline will add to your life the values that skill and talent can’t. People with good aspirations often fail at this point — the inability to conquer and master self. This battle is inevitable.
In Developing the Leader Within You, John Maxwell noted that:
“You cannot lead others until you have conquered and led yourself.”
“More leaders fail because of inner than outer issues.”
From poor time and priority management to bad habits and behavioural addictions, the failure to master self can easily derail the pursuit of a life of purpose.
Talent can bring you success; self-discipline will make you a success — an inspiration to others. Self-discipline helps shape your character.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” — Jim Rohn
“By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character.” — Grenville Kleiser
Self-discipline is a progressive journey for me. Each day, I find reasons to desire (in prayer) more grace for greater self-discipline as a husband, father, spiritual leader and in business. If you can relate, you’re not alone.
Start small. Identify one area you lack self-discipline. Set yourself a goal to change. Start now.
Start with you!
Question: What other qualities do you consider to be life’s winning formula?
Image courtesy of Success Grove | Google Images
About Joseph Iregbu
From a homeless, near-school-dropout to living a story worth telling. Purpose is my passion. What's your story?
Great quotes! Inspiring post, I bet this was a great course.
Lately I’ve been praying intentionally about trusting God and waiting on His timing instead of rushing ahead. Sometimes I think I rely too much on my own grit and not enough on God. If I don’t feel like He’s moving fast enough I try to force prayers to be answered in my own power. It doesn’t work and yet I continually try to do God’s job for Him. It stems from lack of trust. Your post is a good reminder the my inner weaknesses hinder my growth. And it’s only with God’s help can overcome.