PDF | Print |

Written by Sparky Pritchard Friday, 11 June 2010 14:19

The Road to Success … Those who are graduating hope to find it and follow it in the days that lie ahead.  Tragically, many will become sidetracked.  Some will chose an easier but less fulfilling path.  But, in reality, the road to success is not a path upon which we stumble by chance; it is a highway that must be built with care and commitment.  Here’s what it takes to construct it.

First, the road to success is paved with gratitude.  All of us are where we are and who we are because of the investment of others – a parent … a grandparent … a teacher … a friend.  Many individuals have helped to shape our lives and direct our paths.  Do you continually acknowledge your gratitude to others?

Second, the road to success is paved with vision.  Vision involves seeing our weaknesses and knowing our own strengths.  Vision means we see the obstacles and opportunities that lie before us.  And when our vision is clear, we will choose what is best.

Third, the road to success is paved with hard work.  You will cheat yourself in the short run and rob yourself in the long run if you look for the path of least resistance, if you always follow the easy road.  I agree with Colin Powell who says, “There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

Fourth, the road to success is paved with persistence.  The journey of life can become tedious … even boring at times.  The man or woman who finds success will be the one who persists when the road is hard and the way is rough.

Fifth, the road to success is paved with flexibility.  One of my favorite sayings is, “A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.”  In the journey of life, you must be wise enough to know when to slow down … to use caution … and to turn in a new direction.

Sixth, the road to success is paved with integrity.  Character counts even in a corrupt world.  The man or woman who travels life’s road with character will be trusted by others and entrusted with greater responsibility.

Seventh, the road to success is paved with godliness.  Though we may not enjoy worldly success financially, we can enjoy spiritual success and that is far greater and far more valuable.  For at the end of life’s road, we all will face God.  Therefore, labor to be a success in His eyes above all else.  “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

The road lies before you, graduates.  Life is more than a road to be endured … it is a journey to be enjoyed.