The Formula for Success

There is a simple equation for success. Not that success is simple; it isn’t. But the formula is not at all complicated. And the formula is the same, whether you want to be a successful musician or a successful auto mechanic.

What is success? Is it superstardom? I don’t believe most of us yearn for that. For most of us, success is being good at what we do. We don’t need to be superheroes. We just want to be proud of our accomplishments, and to have others recognize the value in what we do. We want to achieve a goal.

The formula for success is this:  Patience + Diligence = Success

This formula is not revolutionary, but you can use it to revolutionize any aspect of your life and to be successful. Here is a brief look at each element of the equation.

1. Success: You must have a clear and realistic idea of what success looks like for you at that moment.  Understand where you are and where you want to go. Perhaps you are learning to play the piano. A Beethoven concerto may not be realistic for you, at least not yet. A more reasonable goal might be to play your recital piece well. Whatever your goal, be specific. How else will you know when you have gotten there?

2. Diligence: Consider the phrase “due diligence.” In legal matters, due diligence encompasses judgment, care, prudence, determination and activity.  It is not enough to just create activity or to be busy. You must focus your work, work with a purpose. Direct your energy to the tasks that will take you where you want to go. Seek the help of a teacher or mentor to help keep you on the right path.

3. Patience: There’s a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers called “The Waiting is the Hardest Part.” But you won’t be waiting; you’ll be diligently working toward your goal. It just takes time. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “He that can have Patience, can have what he will.”

How can you use the formula to achieve your goals?