“when a firm decisive spirit is recognized, it is curious to see how the space clears around a man and leaves him room and freedom” John Foster

Strong will power will take you to superhuman undertakings. In life there are the wills, the won’ts and the can’ts – it is the wills that get things done. Will power is the underpinning of success. Without dermination, little can be achieved. Will power over comes hurdles and presses on to the goal. Will power overcomes challenges of ill-health or physical incapacity and even presses the mind on to the purpose.

How about this for will, my favourite quote, from a US anti-slavery campaigner:

“I am aware that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity? I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or to speak, or write, with moderation. No! no! Tell a man whose house is on fire to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen; – but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest – I will not equivocate – I will not excuse – I will not retreat a single inch – AND I WILL BE HEARD. The apathy of the people is enough to make every statue leap from its pedestal, and to hasten the resurrection of the dead.”

– William Lloyd Garrison, “To the Public,” from the Inaugural Editorial in the 1 January 1831 The Liberator

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It is not every calamity that is a curse, and early adversity is often a blessing. Surmounted difficulties not only teach, but hearten us in our future struggles – SHARPE

A poor start can lead to future success. If there seems like there is no chance, then be assured that there is always some, don’t be disheartened. History shows that adversity, when faced, breeds determination and determination breeds success. If you face adversity boldly, it places you on a level playing field with some of the greatest and most succesful people in all of our history. Thomas Edison started out as a newsboy and went on to become one of the greatest scientists and inventors that the world has know. If you don’t have the money or resources to start what you want to do, the start by studying – read and learn. The chances are, you will find your purpose, then be single minded, and the rest will follow. Diligence and perseverence, as they meet with opportunity, will offset whatever kind of start you have had in life.

Many of the world’s most powerful and successful people started with some major disadvantage before they came to their success. There is no such thing as ‘no chance’, it is just a question of being ready to take the one’s that present themselves.

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“If we succeed, what will the world say?” asked Captain Berry in delight, when Nelson had explained his carefully formed plan before the battle of the Nile.

“There is no if in the case,” replied Nelson. “That we shall succeed is certain. Who may live to tell the tale is a very different question.” Then, as his captains rose from the council to go to their respective ships, he added: “Before this time tomorrow I shall have gained a peerage or Westminster Abbey.” His quick eye and daring spirit saw an opportunity of glorious victory where others saw only probable defeat.

Life is full of challenges, but the successful leader frames them as opportunities and seizes them. You don’t have to wait for something extraordinary to come along, everyday presents enough opportunity for the person with open eyes. Opportunity is everywhere, if you can’t see it, then make it. In today’s society people, focus on making money rather than opportunity. People work for money and expect it to bring opportunity, or to be an end. That is an error of reversal. Seek opportunity first and make the most of what you are given. Marden says:

Wealth is not an end to strive for, but an opportunity; not the climax of a man’s career, but an incident.

Be prepared for opportunity, and take it!

"There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries;
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures."

"'Tis never offered twice; seize, then, the hour
When fortune smiles, and duty points the way;
Nor shrink aside to 'scape the specter fear,
Nor pause, though pleasure beckon from her bower;
But bravely bear thee onward to the goal."

- From Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

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Orison Swett Marden may well be the founder of the American success movement, although he himself credits his start to a book by Samuel Smiles. Mardens’ personal story is one of success despite tremendous disadvantages. He was born in 1850 to poor parents, on a farm in New England, but was orphaned at an early age. Despite difficult circumstances, he achieved both business and academic success, even in the face of various set backs.

Over the next month or two I’ll post thoughts, most likely a chapter at a time…

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