The common denominator of success – the secret of success of every person who has ever been successful – lies in the fact they formed the habit of doing activities that failures don’t like to do.
In 1940, the National Association of Life Underwriters held its annual meeting in Philadelphia. At one of the general sessions, the speaker was Albert E.N. Gray, an official of the Prudential Insurance Company of America, who, during a 30-year career with the company, had become known nationally as a writer and speaker on life insurance subjects. As he rose to speak on this long-ago day, it did not occur to Gray his message would become a classic, applicable not only to the members of his profession but to all who would seek success in any endeavor. “Several years ago,” he began, “I was brought face to face with the very disturbing realization that I was trying to supervise and direct the efforts of a large number of people who were trying to achieve success, without knowing myself what the secret of success really is.” So Gray launched what he called a voyage of discovery to learn the secret of success. “It must not only apply,” he stated, “to every definition of success, but since it must apply to everyone to whom it is offered, it must also apply to everyone who has ever been successful. In short, I am looking for the common denominator of success.” After studying the lives of many successful individuals, Gray found this common denominator – forming the habit of doing activities that failures do not like to do. “Every single qualification for success,” he insisted, “is acquired through habit. People form habits and habits form futures.” Nearly two centuries ago, American theologian Nathanael Emmons commented “Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.” Those who would become successful, then, will be wise to chose those servants who will assist them in reaching their goals.
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AuthorMusings from Gammon Irons. To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind - this is a choice which is possible for us all; and surely a good haven to sail. Archives
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