That kind of language also lacks any sense of personal responsibility and usually comes from people too
afraid to get into the game. Sure I believe that there’s a force of nature that comes into play when we least
expect it (and most need it). And yes, I believe there is a coherence to the way our lives unfold that is highly
intelligent. But I also believe – deeply – that we were given free will and the power to make choices for a
single reason: to exercise them. I believe that we generally get from life what we give to life. I believe that
good things happen to those willing to put in the effort, exercise discipline and make the sacrifices that
personal and professional greatness requires – no, demands. I’ve also found that actions have
consequences and the more good things I do – through good old hard work – the more success I see. Life
favors the devoted.
Not one of the uber – successful people I’ve worked with as a leadership coach got there without
outworking everyone around them. While others were home watching TV or sleeping, these great ones –
who have made their mark on the world and have added tremendous value to it – were up early, putting in
the hours, showing life that they were dedicated to their dream. I’m not – for even a moment – denying the
importance of work – life balance and spending time with loved ones or caring for your inner life. I’ll be the
first to stand for those values. All I’m saying is that behind extraordinary achievement you will always
discover extraordinary effort. Just a law of nature. Hasn’t changed for a thousand years.
Not one of the uber – successful people I’ve
worked with as a leadership coach got there without
outworking everyone around them.
Ivan Seidenberg, the chairman and CEO of Verizon, tells the following story: “My first boss – he
was the building superintendent and I was a janitor – watched me sweep floors and wash walls for almost a
year before he mentioned I could get tuition for college if I got a job with the phone company. When I asked
him why he waited so long, he said: ‘I wanted to see if you were worth it.’
And Time Warner CEO Dick Parsons once observed that the best advice he ever got was from his
grandmother. She told him: “Whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” So plant your seeds. Be
spectacularly great at what you do. Wear your passion on your sleeve and hold your heart in the palm of
your hand. And work hard. Really hard. Hard work opens doors and shows the world that you are serious
about being one of those rare – and special – human beings that uses the fullness of their talents for the
highest and the very best.
16.
Know Your Genius
Genius is not the sole domain of a rare breed of person. Both you and I are entitled to that label and to play
in that space – if we so choose. Here’s the big idea: Focus on any area of skill with a relentless devotion to
daily improvement and a passion for excellence and within three to five years, you will be operating at a