Remember your high school geometry classes?  Remember asking for what or why you would ever need or use these angles, degrees, and formulas? 

I can never forget my tenth grade geometry class.  Mrs. Bender, my teacher taught us well.  Looking back now I have to laugh because although I did use some geometry principles in survey work I did in the summers of my high school years for the U.S. Forest Service, I never really did use it again…..until 15 years later when I started my own business.  It was the name of the angles such as appears in the title of this discussion that came in handy not the mathematical science.  And those “angles” proved to be very profitable for me and my family. 

There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank my God for giving me lots of ambition genes,  energetic DNA,  enhanced performance chromosomes, and whatever else He put into my “mix” when I was conceived.  Laziness has never been in my bloodline.  Thank You, Lord. 

My parents played a major role in my learning how to work and work hard.  There was just no acceptable excuse in our home for half-done work or sub par performances.  We were taught how to do the job right and do it thoroughly.  The expected outcome of any given work assignment regardless the type or size, could be described with only one word,…excellence.   That kind of parental training has paid back huge dividends to me over my lifetime.  Thank you, Mom and Dad.  

Whenever you have been properly trained for a successful endeavor, you will know what to do and you will do it properly and completely.  If your preparation is adequate, then you will know that you must do whatever it takes to get the job done and achieve your desired results.  Giving an effort your “best shot”, or “all that you had to give” just doesn’t cut it if that is not enough to complete the task.  There can be no bargaining over the price to be paid.  Successful people always pay the full price for their success.  They do not attempt to dicker or bargain over how much of a price should be paid.   They are willing to pay full price all the time!  And they are willing to continue paying it until the task is successfully completed.  Any and all obstacles no matter the type or size will be overcome and success will be achieved.  Period!  No further discussion necessary.  

Do you see the type of positive mental attitude and mindset a person must possess and exhibit if they are to become successful in any given field? 

Risk taking is all part of the price to be paid for success.  If you are not willing to take a chance and TRY to do something new and different, for sure you will never have a chance to make it big. 

One other thing to consider before starting up the road to success, is that you must be flexible and make adjustments as you progress.  You don’t need to have all the answers before beginning your journey.   Figure things out as you go.  A “ Git ‘R Dun ” attitude is a must.  It empowers you and inspires the other members of your team.  

Allow me to share a nice little story that a friend. G.W. from Washington, D.C. shared with me over thirty years ago.  It struck me as not only humorous, but also totally apropos to doing whatever it takes to succeed. 

Many years ago a huge oil refinery caught on fire.  Flames shot hundreds of feet into the air and the sky filled with grimy smoke.  The heat was so intense that firefighters parked their vehicles over a block away from the flames, hoping for the heat to die down.  Instead, the fire raged ever closer to a nearby row of fuel storage tanks.   

Suddenly, a fire truck came careening down the street.  With its brakes screeching, it hit the curb directly in front of the blaze.  The firefighters on board jumped off the truck and began to battle the roaring fire.   Inspired by this act, the other firefighters all drove their vehicles closer to the blaze and joined in the fight.  As a result of their cooperative effort, the fire was brought under control just in the nick of time before consuming the storage tanks. 

Those men who witnessed these events, decided to honor the brave men who had driven the lead fire truck to the brink of the blaze.  In preparing for the awards ceremony, the city mayor said, “Captain, we want to honor you for your fantastic act of bravery.  Because of your fearless courage, you prevented the loss of property, perhaps even the loss of life.  Is there something we can give you as a token of our gratitude and appreciation for your decisive actions?”  The captain replied without a moment’s hesitation, “Your Honor, Mr. Mayor, there certainly is something you can provide to us that would be greatly appreciated.  You can get us a new set of brakes for that old fire truck!” 

Now listen and learn.  All acts of heroism begin the same way:  one person is willing to try when all others are not. 

If you truly desire to become successful, then begin right where you are with that which you possess.  Start…Begin…do the best you can,…and then adjust as you go further down the road. 

Things do not have to be perfect.  Defects can be worked out and corrected as you are progressing towards your dreams and goals. 

Action cures all fears, so begin to move in the direction of your dreams.  Overcome your fears and allow God to provide all of the other needs.  He will, if you will do your part. 

Start right where you are with just what you have to start with.  God will fill in all the missing pieces.  You just have to put forth the effort….you just have to TRY. 

God promises it all in His Holy Word, The Bible in The Book of Luke,  Chapter 1, verse 37  NKJV: 

(37)  “For with God nothing will be impossible.” 

So if anything is possible, may I suggest you take the chance, stretch yourself out of your comfort zone, and TRY as best you can to launch yourself onto the road to your own $ucce$$.  I know you will be glad that you did. 

Peace and love to all of you……..Poppa Bear