Have you ever wondered what comprises the crucial difference in the way people respond to life’s challenges? A major segment of the world’s population has been bathed in frail attempts that are inundated with half-hearted efforts. No one ever truly succeeds by trying. Somehow, the word ‘try’ gives me a vivid picture of a rope attached to it, leading back to the comfort zone of mediocrity. To try something is an uncommitted or reluctant approach to accomplish one’s objective. If a person is committed to their dream or family or business pursuits, they will cut themselves off from all sources of retreat—leaving them with one option, to win. When a person has an unwavering devotion to a belief in their heart, even if they fail time after time, they will continue to get up and resume their unwavering devotion to their belief.

Bankrupt

Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because the editor felt “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Several times, he went through bankruptcy before he built Disneyland. In fact, the proposed park was initially rejected by the city of Anaheim because they felt that it would only attract people of low social status.

They told Sidney Poitier to wash dishes

The first African American Academy Award Winner for Best Actor, Sidney Poitier was told after his first audition by the casting director, “Why don’t you stop wasting people’s time and go out and become a dishwasher or something?” It was at that moment, recalls Poitier, that he decided to devote his life to acting.

A world of difference

There is all the difference in the world between the expectations of the person who has committed him or herself to their life’s purpose without reservation and no matter the sacrifice and has vowed to see his or her aspiration to the end, and the person that goes about his or her objective halfheartedly. Apathy is the enemy of achievement and the antagonist of pursuit.

The challenge of failure

Failure usually affects people in one of two ways: It serves as a challenge to greater effort, or it subdues and discourages a person from trying again. How a person reacts to circumstances reveals both the brilliance and intensity of their drive or the lack thereof. Obstacles and challenges are not what relegates a person to poverty; their mindset is what places them in the prison of hopelessness. Many people accept their lot as inescapable and go through life wearing dispossession as a shackle.

Rising above the hardships

I realize that in times past, African Americans, American Indians and Hispanics have been systematically excluded and/or allowed limited participation in the American Dream. Yet there are many who have risen to a wealth and educational status despite the efforts of some Americans to prevent these accomplishments from happening. Obstacles and opposition are a part of life; and millions of Americans had better get used to it. I am convinced that the chains of mental slavery and the segregation from the success of living ones dreams is arguably the most horrendous transgression any person can confer on oneself. Fortunately, since this mental incarceration is self-induced, the solution to these barriers lies within our power to free ourselves.

Conclusion

God gave you the power to create the framework of your life by the way you think and believe; but He also gave you the power to change it.

Recommended Reading:

I frequently say, “Readers are leaders and leaders are readers.” I strongly believe this statement; therefore, I have taken the time to recommend reading material that I believe will greatly benefit your life and business endeavors. Click the images to see more information or to order the books from Amazon.com.

[amazon_image id=”1604739606″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Walt before Mickey: Disney’s Early Years, 1919-1928[/amazon_image] [amazon_image id=”0807828432″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon[/amazon_image] [amazon_image id=”1930388179″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Unexpected Treasures[/amazon_image]

The materials are provided for your convenience and Dr. Brown will earn a small commission from Amazon when you purchase through the links provided above.