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"That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well."
- Abraham Lincoln
Motivation Monday - Richard's Insight
You have heard of the 'first past the post system' no doubt. How about 'winner takes all'...or 'no prizes for second place'? Notice anything wrong with these statements? Yes, there is only one winner. However, that's not right is it?
I realize and fully appreciate that what good old Abe was trying to convey was a slightly different point, which I will come on to next, but you note that he is not restricting the number of people that can be called 'winners'. Many can achieve success and therefore 'win'. That's the first point of note here.
The second point is much more directed at what I believe he was driving at...role models. If we have someone that has gone before us and done something, then it automatically means it is possible at least, easier even. I like that idea 🙂 This gives us belief. If we see someone else succeed, then we can too!
But, it also tells us something else as well. We don't have to be a pioneer or trailblazer to succeed either do we? We are following in someone else's footsteps that has gone before us and shown us the way.
Being a follower is not a bad thing at all. If we follow quickly, we will still be ahead of the pack won't we?
Equally, copying, following or modelling others allows us to short-cut the process at the same time. Imagine if we were able to listen to someone who had trodden the path already, who could tell us what worked and what did not? It would accelerate our own journey wouldn't it?
So, this little quotation packs in so much as far as I can see. There is no limit on the number of 'winners'. We can have greater belief and confidence by observing those that have achieved success. Finally, if we want to get there faster, all we have to do is model and copy what those that made it first did too. Now, that's motivational!
- Richard W J Brown