Often when we have a goal, we try just once or twice and then give up.
We say, "Well, I guess it's just not going to happen." To be truly successful, keep at it! This is true whether you are trying to market your company, get a raise, achieve a sales quota, improve your workplace environment, win a sports event, or raise funds.
People who are achievers are not at the top of their game because they are "naturals." It's because they don't give up. When at first they don't succeed, they try again and again and again until at last...they realise their goal.
"Herbert True, a marketing specialist at Notre Dame University, did some research and found the following:
- 44% of all salespeople quit trying after the first call
- 24% quit after the second call
- 14% quit after the third call
- 12% quit trying to sell their prospect after the fourth call
This means that 94% of all salespeople quit after the fourth call. But 60% of all sales are made after the fourth call. This revealing statistic shows that 94% of all salespeople don't give themselves a chance at 60% of the prospective buyers." (from The Success Principles by Jack Canfield)
Some famous people who persisted:
- Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.
- Louis L'Amour received 200 rejections before he sold his first novel - he eventually wrote more than 100 novels, and sold more than 225 million copies.
- Henry Ford's first two automobile businesses failed.
Your goals in your career, relationships, personal growth, sports, and community can all be achieved through your stubbornness, effort, and commitment.
To be a success at whatever you do, believe in yourself and never give up. If you get a 'no', just keep on asking until you hear a resounding 'YES'!
ACTION ITEM
This week, write down a goal that you want to achieve. Post it beside your desk, on your refrigerator, or near your bedside. Look at it several times a day. What are you willing to do to succeed? Begin now! Be tenacious and you will accomplish it.