Drivers of Success in 6 Powerful Words

Drivers of Success in 6 Powerful Words

Stories that teach the lesson:

First, about 31-year old Nicole Gross, for whom this is a landmark week.  Because for the first time in 6 months, USA Today reports, she will add her favorite activity -- swimming -- to her rehab therapy.  

In April, Nicole was one of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, suffering severe leg damage when a bomb exploded near the finish line.  There as a spectator with her husband and sister to watch her mother’s first race, the bomb tore into both legs.  

A former University of Tennessee team swimmer -- and today a triathlete -- Nicole goes through difficult twice-weekly physical therapy sessions, including ankle and foot exercises, kettle bell swings, core work, pushups, and a myriad of other body-restoring routines.  She doesn’t care if she ever runs again… just wants to do daily functioning things: one day at a time… agonizing pain, diligent effort, slow progress, never giving up.  

In her words: “I attribute my attitude and progression to the fact that I can tap into that inner athlete.”  She’s an inspiration to all victims of that hideous bombing.  

Second, I recently saw a TV interview with rock star Jon Bon Jovi.  He told a story of a song he wrote and, before releasing, had second thoughts it would sell, became convinced it was a dud, and wanted to kill it.   He told band mate Richie Sambora, who blew a gasket.  He saw it differently… completely opposite.  He envisioned the song having epic popularity.  Turns out, Sambora was right.  It became one of the band’s signature songs.  

Humbly, Bon Jovi said he’s missed the boat the other way, too… convinced certain songs were destined to be chart-toppers… only to see them fizzle.  Through all the ups and downs, he said, the band just kept plugging away.  The result?  30 years together, over 130 million albums sold, played before 35 million fans in 50 countries.  Not too bad.  

And lastly, one of my all-time favorites.  Thomas Edison, master inventor and holder of 1,093 patents for such creations as the electric light bulb, the motion picture camera, and the phonograph.  Known for his legendary and relentless laser focus, he would not allow distractions to interrupt his daily routines, nor that of his scientists.  He built the Menlo Park laboratory, his invention factory, to devote full-time to the work of inventing useful devices the world had not yet seen, many still in use today.  He remains the world’s most prolific inventor.  

There you have it.  So, What were the six words?  Here they are, and you can keep them on a sign over your desk to be reminded every day:  

Get started -  Keep moving -  Never stop.  

I could have chosen from literally hundreds of thousands of successful people, in all walks of life.   And here’s the catch.  All of them together -- who religiously follow those 6 words -- are in a very small minority.  Maybe 1% to 3% of the total world population, since the dawn of mankind.   Anyone can be in that small club.  But most, by their everyday actions, are choosing not to be.   What are you choosing?