Keys to Success: Hard work & Patience!

Just after I began ministerial training I had the opportunity to shadow a senior pastor as he officiated the funeral of one of his church members.  After the service I accompanied the pastor and the owner of the funeral home in the funeral procession from the church to the member's internment.  The owner of the funeral home drove us in his car which was a beautiful late new Mercedes S class.  I was in my early 20's at the time and instantly fell in love with the car.  The first thing I said to the owner as we made our way to the cemetery was "this is a beautiful car!"  The owner was an older African American gentleman who appeared to be in his 70's or 80's and was a well known successful businessman and philanthroper in my hometown.  After I complemented his car he smiled and asked "How old are you young man?"  I told him my age and he said, "work hard and save hard.  Drive cars don't let the desire for cars drive you."  He then went on to tell a story of a nineteen year old intern who worked at his funeral home.  He said that the first time the young man saw his beautiful new car he proclaimed that he was going to work and save and get one just like it by the time he was twenty one.  The older gentleman laughed and told the young man "Funny thing is I had to work 65 years before I started buying cars like that." 

I still remember that that day in the car with that inspiring man.  He died a few years ago and I only had the opportunity to meet him once but I am grateful for that meeting.  I learned many valuable lessons in the car that day, yet the most important was the idea of working hard and being patient.  Unfortunately we live in a microwave society that says everything should be fast.  The idea of working hard and saving your money to achieve success and the American dream is often considered by some an outdated method.  Fast food encourages quick meals, yet we sacrifice taste and nutrition.  Shows like American Idol encourage overnight success, yet the participants sacrifice experience.  Lottery tickets encourage instant riches, yet those who win often do not have the fiscal acumen to handle new found wealth. In other words whenever we take shortcuts to success we usually sacrifice the benefits that we would have received enduring the entire process.  As a consultant my job is to work with clients to help them understand the next steps they should take to move closer to their desired goals.  The first thing that I make sure my clients understand is that there is no shortcut to success.  Success is a marathon not a sprint- it is achieved but it takes hard work, tenacity, and endurance.  Whenever I am asked "how can we guarantee success?" I simply reply "hard work and patience."  Unfortunately there is no substitute for hard work and patience.  Hard work is a driving force patience is the force that keeps you driving until you reach your destination.  To that end I encourage you to keep working hard and keep trusting the process!  It will pay off in the end.  - Derek A. Terry, Principal Consultant www.ConsutltingDAT.com