By Robert Gordon
Program Director, Reverse Logistics Management at American Public University
Daily progress is more important than a week of flurried activity when it comes to developing personal skills. True growth is the slow and plodding progress toward success. Successful people are those who dedicate themselves to a cause and painstakingly move toward a higher goal.
Many people look for easy, quick success and give up before achieving lasting results. Those who are in the continual pursuit of the quick and easy road to success will find themselves repeatedly disappointed. Studies have shown that high expectations for academic achievements, career goals or athletic purposes can help people achieve more without causing burnout.
It is easy to forget a goal if others seem to be more talented. Keep in mind that natural talent might get you started, but it is determination that gets the job done. One has to set some intermediate goals that build up to the larger goal. Building upon small victories will propel you toward greatness.
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Developing your role, career, position and skills is a continual process. You falter when you stop advancing. Blockbuster had the opportunity to purchase Netflix but passed on it because they did not see the true potential. This is the classic case of leaving the door open to the competition to grow and grow and ultimately replace you.
Greatness comes from years of experience and honing your skills. For example, Captain Sully Sullenberger had over 30 years of flying experience and three academic degrees prior to landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River. An experienced, skilled and knowledgeable individual accomplished a remarkable deed.
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The lesson here is to strive for greatness at every opportunity. There will be times where you plateau or fall back. That is part of the process; it is a test of your resolve. Never give up the goal of achieving greatness because that’s the best investment you will ever make.
About the Author: Dr. Robert Lee Gordon is the program director for the Reverse Logistics Management department at American Public University. Dr. Gordon has more than 25 years of professional experience in supply chain management and human resources. Dr. Gordon earned his Doctorate of Management and Organizational Leadership and his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix as well earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from UCLA.
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