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.
