Often, perspective is all we need to take the next step. That’s why in long lines at amusement parks there are timers along the way that display how many minutes you have before boarding the ride. Not knowing where we stand creates anxiety–sometimes enough to make us quit. However, it seems that we can endure the most herculean obstacles and delays as long as we know we’re making progress and will be well in the end. What I call “The Success Cycle†creates this kind of perspective for the entrepreneur.
There are four steps you must cycle through to achieve success in business:
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Struggle
Step 3: Wise Up
Step 4: Win
Identifying and understanding where you are in the cycle can give you the strength to press on.
Start
Nearly 70 percent of Americans say they’d like to start a business but only half have attempted. The mere act of starting puts you on the path toward success. How many times have people discussed what they could have done, should have done or would do? It’s all chatter until you take action. There’s a saying that cemeteries are the most valuable real estate in the world. Why? Because so many people who lay there at eternal rest passed away with brilliant, but unused, potential. The first step is the most important: Simply start.