Success - WHY OR WHY NOT??
There is an interesting story about the legendary Italian Count who was the greatest lover of his age that I recently read and quote below.
His name was Casanova and he lived hundreds of years ago in the town of Genoa. Legend says, that in his day, he was the finest seducer of women in the world. His name has become a euphemism for those who fancy themselves as lady’s men.
I have not read a lot about this fellow. I’ve told you just about everything I know about him in the previous paragraph. The reason I mention him is because I heard a joke of sorts in which he is featured and I often share it with different audiences.
In short, the joke goes that at around the age of 80, Count Casanova lay on his deathbed with his butler, doctor, and priest in attendance. Weak and close to death, Casanova was disturbed by a loud knocking at the door.
His butler went to the door and was greeted by a young Scottish youth who said, "I must see Casanova. I have traveled for three weeks, and only he can answer my question.” The butler told him is was not possible, but the young man insisted. Upon hearing the commotion, Casanova yelled, "Let him in.”
The young man was taken to Casanova’s bedside, and without waiting for a formal introduction he launched into his pitch. "Casanova, I am a big fan of yours. You see, I love the ladies too. I want to be a lady’s man but don’t know the best way to go about it. I hear you’ve been with over 1000 women and I hope to do the same. What’s your secret? I know you have one and I would love to have it too.”
Casanova, gravely ill and near the end of his life beckoned him to come over, then grabbed the boys collar and pulled the young man's ear close to his mouth and said, "It's easy. I asked them.”
I have not read a lot about this fellow. I’ve told you just about everything I know about him in the previous paragraph. The reason I mention him is because I heard a joke of sorts in which he is featured and I often share it with different audiences.
In short, the joke goes that at around the age of 80, Count Casanova lay on his deathbed with his butler, doctor, and priest in attendance. Weak and close to death, Casanova was disturbed by a loud knocking at the door.
His butler went to the door and was greeted by a young Scottish youth who said, "I must see Casanova. I have traveled for three weeks, and only he can answer my question.” The butler told him is was not possible, but the young man insisted. Upon hearing the commotion, Casanova yelled, "Let him in.”
The young man was taken to Casanova’s bedside, and without waiting for a formal introduction he launched into his pitch. "Casanova, I am a big fan of yours. You see, I love the ladies too. I want to be a lady’s man but don’t know the best way to go about it. I hear you’ve been with over 1000 women and I hope to do the same. What’s your secret? I know you have one and I would love to have it too.”
Casanova, gravely ill and near the end of his life beckoned him to come over, then grabbed the boys collar and pulled the young man's ear close to his mouth and said, "It's easy. I asked them.”
Time and time again we don't ask for the help we need, the sales we want to make, the knowledge we require, or the help we need for fear of looking needy or appearing foolish. I know people who epitomize the old adage of “Pride comes before a fall.” Out of misplaced vanity and ego they would rather starve than ask for food.
The more WE can learn from the experiences of others, the fewer mistakes WE are likely to make and the quicker we can discover our own success.
Here's a quick pre-requisite for success - Why or Why not it will be-
1- Have you found something you love, you believe in?
2- Are you willing to dedicate your time to become a world-class-expert in it? Not what you get as a result of being an expert but 'just' becoming an expert so you can give the best.
3- Are you willing to make the sacrifices needed to pursue what you love? These may be temporary setbacks, losses, heart breaks, people ridiculing you, being broke, self doubts, uncertainty, fears - etc etc.
4- Will you be able to believe in yourself inspite of all this? Will you be able to wake up with an attitude of "YES - lets do it!" every single day?
5- Are you wiling to do whatever it takes to get to your dream or desire or whatever it is you believe in?
6- Are you willing to find 'your way' of success. No Matter how many books, interviews and biography's you red - YOUR success WILL NOT be achieved with someone else's formula.
7- Are you truly ready to confront all fears - Are you willing to risk failure? Are you willing to risk ridicule? Are you willing to risk rejection (lots of it)? Are you wiling to step into the unknown (everyday)?
In short - do you love it, do you believe in it? do you believe in yourself? will you be okay to make (lots of) sacrifices for it and still wake up everyday saying "YES- lets do it", are you willing to work really hard even for no results and are you ready to confront all fears and jump right in? If yes. you will find 'your way'. If you don't then one last element -
Courage. The guts and fortitude to start, continue, stay the course, make it happen, and celebrate the victory, whenever it comes..
I'll end this with one beautiful poem:
Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And few came,
and Life pushed,
and they flew.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And few came,
and Life pushed,
and they flew.
yours
Chetan Walia
Comments