I want to talk about creating success from the lowest point that anyone can ever get and one that I can relate too because I have been that low and had to recover from and succeed..
When all options seem to be unavailable to us, when our feelings and emotions are so destroyed and the story that we have in our minds takes us away from true reality and our only perceived option is suicide. That’s the lowest point anyone can get to and the story I am about to share with you is of person whom those over 30 years of age will recognise.
A young man dropped out of high school to follow his dream of becoming a famous musician, now I know you can relate to this story, XFactor, The Voice etc. so you will understand the reason this young guy went out to achieve his dreams, however this was well before any of the current talent and I use that word loosely shows were even an idea.
Now the dream didn’t become reality quickly enough for our would be pop star. In fact, by the time he was 22, he feared that he had made the wrong decision, and that no one would ever Love his music. He’d been playing in bars and he was flat broke, sleeping in the laundromats because he no longer had a home. The only thing that had been holding him together was her romantic relationship. Then his girlfriend decided enough was enough and left him, that was the new low for him, it pushed him over the edge. He immediately focused on how he could never again find another woman as beautiful as she was. What this meant to him was that his life was over, so he decided to commit suicide.
Fortunately, before doing so he reconsidered he did have options and decided instead to check himself into a mental institution. Spending time there gave him some new references about what real problems were. He later recalled saying, “he will never get that low again” he now declares “it was one of the best things he ever did because, no matter what happens in his life no problem will ever compare with what he had seen other people go through. I can understand this – some people would say that your weak to even contemplate that kind of action, but getting to that low point gives you a whole new meaning on life. Now by renewing his commitment and following his dreams long term he eventually had all the he wanted. His name again for those over 30 should know him, was Billy Joel.
Can you imagine that this man whom millions of fans love and he married a super model, was ever worried about the quality of his music or finding a woman as beautiful as his ex.
The key to remember that what appears to be impossible in the short term turned in to phenomenal example of success and happiness. Billy Joel was able to pull himself out of his depression by directing the three decisions that we all control each moment of our lives.
What to focus on.
What things mean.
What to do despite the challenges that may appear to be limiting us.
Billy Joel raised his standards, backed them up with new beliefs, and implemented the strategies he knew he must.
One belief I have developed in my own approach to life especially in tough times, and I have had them believe me… God’s delays and not God’s Denials. Often what seems impossible in the short term becomes very possible in the long term if you persist.
In order to succeed we need to discipline ourselves to consistently think long term.
A great way to remind myself is to compare life’s ups and downs to the changing seasons.
No season lasts forever because all of life is a cycle of planting, reaping, resting and renewal. Winter is not forever; even if you’re having challenges today, you can never give up on the coming spring. For some people, winter means hibernation you can always just wait out the season, for others, it means bobsledding and downhill skiing! Why not make it into a time to remember?
The way to success is to keep going through good and bad times, on my calendar I have written in big letters ‘This, Too, Shall Pass. It sums a great deal up.
Tough times affect us all, be it in business, work, career, family, loss of a mother, father, loved one or financial struggles but remember ‘This, Too, Shall Pass.
Success can come from a very dark and low place, if you focus on what you want, what things mean to you, your family, your life and challenges are here for us all that’s what is so wonderful about our lives they are full of challenges and we must raise our standards and meet them head on and succeed. I know you will! I want you to have a great week and thank you for listening, if you want to know more about Strategic Intervention feel free check out my website neill-walker.com, change will happen but It All Starts With You.