Taking Responsibility

Orison Swett Marden, the founder of SUCCESS Magazine said, “A strong, successful man is not the victim of his environment.  He creates favorable conditions. His own inherent force and energy compel things to turn out as he desires.” I really like this quote. Orison Marden suggests that we triumph over our environment by choosing to how we respond to the things that happen to us.  As we all know, stuff happens; good stuff, bad stuff, frustrating stuff, stuff out of our control. The stuff that happens isn’t important.  How we respond to it is.  You create your own favorable conditions by choosing to react positively to the negative stuff that happens to you.  Life does not always happen the way we plan it. It’s your ability to accept setbacks, learn from the obstacles, and not be tempted to place blame on others or circumstances as an excuse for your lack of success. If you want it bad enough, you will find a way to make it happen.
 

Something to Think About

The habit of blaming others or circumstances starts when we are young. If parents, teachers or role models allow our young people to “make excuses” it stifles their imagination, hinders their problem-solving process, and limits their possibilities.
 

Weekly Challenge

When obstacles or challenges appear this week, embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge. Stay calm, breathe, find the solution, ask others to help, and make it happen!
 

Words of Wisdom

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him. – Sidney Greenberg

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened; vision cleared; ambition inspired, and success achieved. – Helen Keller

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential. –John Maxwell