Substance of success

The fruits of success are often displayed out in the open for everyone to see. The real work of success, however, takes place behind the scenes.

It's easy to think of a successful person as being lucky. Yet good luck comes to those who work day after day to make it so.

Behind every magnificent accomplishment, there is real, difficult, sustained effort. Behind every so-called overnight success, are thousands of late-night hours spent honing a craft or skill or profession.

Instead of seeing the fruits of success and being envious, look beyond to all the work that has taken place behind the scenes. See the work of success and be joyous, for the opportunity to make a difference is available to you, too.

A life of success is not about having the outer rewards, for they are little more than tokens. The substance of success is in the effort, and anyone can choose to make any amount of effort.

The desire for a particular goal is really the desire to go through the process of making that goal real. Give in to that deeper desire, and make success a part of you.

-- Ralph Marston

Copyright (c) 2008 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. From The Daily Motivator at http://greatday.com where you will find an archive of more than 3,000 positive messages plus books, CDs, motivational videos and more. Permission is given to post online only if this entire notice is included.