If you are like most network marketers, you will be familiar with Napoleon Hill’s classic book, ‘Think and grow Rich’. In chapter 2 he tells the story of the penniless Edwin C. Barnes and his determination to become a business partner of the great inventor Thomas Edison:
“He saw himself standing in Edison’s presence. He heard himself asking Mr. Edison for an opportunity to carry out the one CONSUMING OBSESSION OF HIS LIFE, a BURNING DESIRE to become the business associate of the great inventor. Barnes’ desire was not a hope! It was not a wish! It was a keen, pulsating DESIRE, which transcended everything else. It was DEFINITE.”
Regular readers will know that I get huge inspiration from top achieving sportsmen. I’m a great tennis fan and yesterday the young Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, won the men’s single championship at Wimbledon in the UK. A year ago he was being hailed as the successor to Roger Federer, probably the greatest player ever. Then he was hit by career threatening injury and medical specialists said his playing days were probably over. Last year was a disaster for him.
In the past he has been labelled a clay court specialist, a reasonable moniker given his five French Open titles at Roland Garros. So how has he confounded the predictions and his critics? The huge forehand, the blinding court coverage, the unflinching focus are all part of the formidable Rafael Nadal armoury, but the Spaniard believes one trait stands above all when seeking success on grass – desire.
“The main thing I think is if you want to play well, you’re going to find a way,” said the Spaniard after crushing Tomas Berdych in straight sets for his eighth Grand Slam title and second at the All England Club.
When he goes on court you can see the desire burning in his eyes. He is just not going to lose. He sees himself already standing on the winner’s podium. Yet he is also very modest with it. That is the level of desire and determination you need to build a successful network marketing business.
You will have many setbacks and disappointments. You will get knocked down. Not to know this is naïve. But if your desire burns strongly enough, you will keep getting up, learning and moving forward. Never lose sight of your dream; fuel your desire to match it and you will be successful.
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Hi Charlie,
amazing post. I'm also of the opinion that we can learn a lot from sports – even from watching it on TV, for example the Soccer World Cup. If we exercise ourselves, the better ! Burning desire and – I would add – a sense of importance (Is this desire really important to use and why ?) are the starting points of all achievment. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Take care
Oliver
yes I like that Oliver, a sense of importance. Thanks for visiting.
Hi Charlie,
I just – yesterday – read this chapter in ‘Think and grow Rich’, and for me, the desire is that calm knowing that, this is the way it's going to be.
/Soren
It's a great chapter
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