The Elevator to Success!
I came across a quote from a friend today, and it spurred me on to write. For all those out there who are looking for an “elevator” to success, I believe that this quote and write-up is a must read for you. We are in a sharp sharp generation, a microwave, two minutes noodles generation. We want what we want, and we want it yesterday.
Our young people don’t want to invest for the long term, they want short term, and high returns. Nobody is willing to test the powers of compound interest, nobody is willing to wait for 10yrs and see what a million can become after so long. They all want it in 1 month, in 3 months or worst case scenario in 6 months. We are too in a hurry, too hasty, too much in a rush! When we approach the building of life that has success on it’s topmost floor, we go to the elevator and punch the up button, we enter and hit the 10th floor. All we need to do is stand still, and wait for the elevator to deliver us to sure success. Isn’t this the way we want it? Smooth easy effortless ride to our dreams? Wake up, and smell the coffee.
“The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs… one step at a time.” - Joe Girard
When I read this post, I was so excited, I went on to research the author of the quote, and what type of life he lived to give him the audacity to utter such an interesting quote. Apparently, what I discovered did not shock me, Joe Girard is rated by the Guinness Book of World Records as the Greatest Salesman in the World! Rising from a very poor obscure childhood into becoming America’s greatest salesman, he had earned himself the right to let us know the status of the elevator to success. In case you don’t know, it’s really out of order, and the sooner you realize and take a step by step approach the better.
In case you are wondering, does this really concern me? Am I looking for an elevator? What does the staircase look like? How do I know if I’m on the wrong path?
1. Quick Movement.
If you are doing anything that promises you a big jump with little or no effort, you are in the elevator. High returns, short term opportunity, quick win, fast bucks, few weeks, all with no significant input from your side save your initial deposit? You have been snookered into the elevator of life. When you are in an elevator, the movement is quicker than if you were climbing the stairs. There is nothing to explain to another person, no method no process, just punch the button and once it alerts you of destination, alight. Don’t do it!
2. Zero to Little Effort
If you have a promise of success without doing much work, or without doing any work. If you are told all you need to do is on step and we’ll do the rest. If you are told you don’t need to learn any new skill, develop yourself or become anybody new to achieve success, watch it. It’s only the elevator that moves you up without your moving yourself. That elevator is out of order currently and may trap you in.
3. One Door
Many people don’t think carefully before getting trapped. If the offer looks juicy, have the caution to ask yourself how do I get out if things get stuck. Elevators usually have only one door. If that door jams, you are stuck. Only enter into what has conceivable exit plans. How do I cash out, how do I stop? Never embark on a routine that could easily control you, never enter into what is difficult to get out of. Elevators are good, I have one in my office, but the elevator to success is out of order, and you must use the staircase that offers you one step at a time.
Success is step by step. If you learn the steps, you can replicate success. You can’t be trapped on a staircase, you can climb up or climb down. Nothing moves except you move it, you go only as far as your strength is willing to push. Don’t get caught on the elevator to success, don’t get trapped into a quick, zero effort one door opportunity. Learn the ropes, and go one step at a time.
Hello. I am 
A wake up call indeed for those who have ears to hear and heart to ponder.
At times the realities of life seem to force one to opt for the elevator instead of the staircase in order to “meet up”.
May God help us!
Luv U!
Couldn’t have been better put!
Nice post.
The lessons have been learnt when the “SOGUNDOGOJI” (Turn twenty into forty) came around some few months ago. People lost more than they bargained for all in the name of wanting to make quick cash.
Here again is another wake up call for us all to have our hands on deck so that we wont be caught lagging.
Thanks Deolu for you have again being inspirational.
We will get there…
Insightful words, motivating and instructive also, thanks so much Deolu, you’ve just added strenght to my heart with these few words.
I will surely reach my glorious destination of success, step by step is the secret, cheers.
This is a good one.It tells us we should slowhasten.
If the goodies you want get to you so fast,check your journey because you are probably on the wrong lane.
But we all want the internet access faster and faster!
We tend to be promted at times to follow what the socity offers,you see somebody doing a paticular thing and everyboby wants to do it, but know that we all have a choice in the matter you can chose to or not to………this is really a nice one deolu it tells alot to us, its Good to find a common ground within your self
This is an apt lesson in this present jet age of ours.You get so dissolutioned when you see you ng men trying to make quick money without learning the virtue of the dignity in labour.
Yahoo,Yahoo an euphemism for internet fraud is the one in vogue,add BABA IJEBU to it and you have a mental picture of a nation of fraudsters and pool gamblers in a short while.
Let’s find a prevention now,all in the society should be concerned.
Deolu,more grease to your elbow.Oni ku lailai.
Great Reminder to all of us.
Another food for thought.
There is really this crave for ‘fire brigade’ approach to making money. This has ultimately led to fraud and other vices that is associated with it.
There is really no short cut to wealth…
Hearing this from you Deolu assures us that genuine wealth is very possible.
We will surely get there!
The way i see it:
If the elevator takes you to the top floor, you’ll only get there to applaud the really successful as they arrive a step-at-a-time at the very top.
Yes, the elevator is alluring and enticing, but not worth it at the end of the day!
Sir i say a million of thank you for contributing to the world and this generation,with you our mind is at rest that we will make it.Thanks.
Wow, what a motivational post!
The practical approach for achieving success is to be focused and gradually moving towards it.
You explained each and every factor very nicely.
Oga me
another great piece from a fantastic mind of deolu akinyemi. I wish our young people begin to think like this or do we need to start a thinking skull? cos many people go tru life everyday without properly thinking about their actions.
We shall arrive the new naija safely sir. e ku ise o
although i read this same quote in Joe Girard’s “How to sell yourself”, it’s like i am hearing this for the first time all over again…
No short-cut to the top, the elevator is a mirage, the only way is the stairs and it takes all you’ve got to climb with care to the top
I love you Deolu and i appreciate every word i have read from you, keep doing what you doing, the Lord is your strenght
simple and concise!
That’s just it- D principle to enduring success; finance-wise, relationship, business etc………is gradual!
…But let him u has ears hears what Mr Deolu is presenting anew to us!
Sir! Thanks for contributing to the world and this generation,with you our mind is delpoying what to create/invest and there is enough for us to achieve in the nearest future b’cos there is no short cut to success.Thank you once again.
Well said!I guess this applies to a whole lot of us(Yes.Us!!!).In the search for abundant wealth,the basic things are ignored.