There is no such thing as an overnight success. Someone may emerge from the shadows and achieve celebrity status, but they haven’t done it in a day. Looking for a shortcut or easy way out is a waste of time and energy. Easy Street is a detour from your road to success.
Think about what a shortcut is really. It’s someone’s idea of an alternate route to avoid whatever obstacles they perceive are in the way. You want to avoid traffic, so you take a shortcut. You don’t want to put in the work, so you look for an easier way. If you had simply put your time and energy into the work itself, you might have achieved greater results.
The road to achievement is less traveled, because it is marked with bumps and potholes—obstacles that can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Life is not an easy trip—nor should it be. Without challenge, we don’t grow. Without overcoming adversity, we don’t learn how to improvise and innovate. We merely move along with the tide, accepting the status quo, without question.
Those who want a smooth ride can aim for the easy way out, but what will they miss along the way? I know many new home sales professionals who have worked their butts off over the past year. Some might say, “Well, they’re making great money.” But look at the hours they put in to get that. And think about the experience they’re putting into practice, getting better with every single home sale. Yes, it’s a phenomenal market right now, but don’t lessen the efforts that go into making home sales happen—dealing with anxious buyers, construction delays, and health factors.
The benefit of the bumps in the road
When I hit a bump in the road, I take it as a learning experience.
Why did I end up here?
Did I take a wrong turn or make a bad decision?
Was I basing my choice on incorrect or incomplete information, while ignoring my instincts?
What can I take away from this part of my journey?
In his classic 2008 book, “Outliers: The Story of Success”, Malcom Gladwell presented his “10,000-Hour Rule”. He posited that achieving true mastery—not mere proficiency—of any skill requires 10,000 hours of practice. Becoming an expert doesn’t happen by reading a couple of books or attending a few webinars. It doesn’t happen with a college degree. You have to put that combined knowledge to work, test it, refine it, and shape it into your own success. Fuel it with curiosity and a desire to learn. Achievement doesn’t occur quickly. It can’t.
Veer away from mediocrity
When you choose speed over commitment, you compromise the outcome. You might even settle for “good enough”, which equates to “average”. Does average make you remarkable? Does average define successful people? On a grade scale, a “C” is average. Do you want to be a “C” salesperson?
Imagine where we would be if everyone took the easy way out. Mediocrity might replace the exceptional. We would settle for what we have. People might attempt to strive for something more, but they would give up short of reaching the goal.
Easy Street is a dead-end road for anyone who desires true success. Don’t delay your journey with shortcuts.
