No "Magic Bullet" To Success

I spoke with an author and life coach a few days who was excited about being quoted in an upcoming issue of Ebony magazine.  I congratulated her and told her that I, too, had been featured in Ebony magazine exactly 10 years ago.  She then asked me if it made a difference.  My response to her was that yes, a few people mentioned that they saw it.  But that one article didn't propel me to riches (an event I am still awaiting).  Rather it is the accumulation of exposure over time that builds upon itself and leads to success.

I cannot count the number of times I have acquired business from people who told me they had observed my husband and I, as well as our business, for years.  Yet, it might be 5 to 10 years before they actually needed our services.  Because we had built a solid reputation, when they were ready, they called us.

Many times we will see the success of an individual and believe it occurred overnight, just because we are just hearing about it.  In fact, that person probably labored in the vineyards unnoticed for years, scraping by on a meager existence to chase a dream that continually seemed to be elusive.  After years of sacrifice, doing without, possible bankruptcy and failures large and small, they finally got their "big break."

But the so-called "big break" is like a miracle -- one has no control over it, no idea when it will manifest nor what form it will be in once it does materialize.  That's why individuals who want to be successful must constantly be at work because there is no "magic bullet" to success, no get-rich-quick scheme.

Proverbs 13:11 says:  Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

The road to success is traveled with many tiny steps.  Get started and keep going!