“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :
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Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,
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C’est une mort insupportable :
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Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”. Source
This 18th-century French verse offers a profound insight into life. It translates to: “We die twice, I see it well: To cease to love and to be lovable, is an unbearable death: To cease to live, that is nothing.” At first glance, this might seem disconnected from achieving your goals. However, it holds the very key to meaningful, lasting success. The unbearable death is not physical but spiritual. It is the loss of passion and connection. The journey to success, therefore, is not about a rapid ascent in an elevator. It’s about taking the stairs, a deliberate climb fueled by what you love and the relationships you build.
Taking the stairs means engaging with every step. It involves effort, intention, and a clear sense of direction. This approach builds a foundation that shortcuts can never provide. Let’s explore the practical steps for this rewarding climb. Zig Ziglar – Oklahoma Hall of Fame
Step 1: Define Your Destination with Passion
Before you take the first step, you must know where you are going. Generic goals like “be successful” are too vague. Success, like the quote suggests, begins with love. You must love what you are pursuing. This passion becomes the fuel that keeps you climbing when you feel tired. Therefore, you should set goals that resonate deeply with your values and interests. Ask yourself what truly excites you. What problems do you love solving?
Break your ultimate vision into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if your goal is to launch a business, your first steps might include market research, writing a business plan, and securing funding. Writing down your goals is a powerful action. In fact, people who vividly describe their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them. . This simple act turns an abstract idea into a concrete target. Source
Creating a Clear Roadmap
Once you have your passionate goal, map out the staircase. What skills do you need to acquire? Who do you need to talk to? What resources will you need? Creating a detailed plan provides clarity and reduces overwhelm. For example, you can use a project management tool or a simple journal to track your progress. Each small task you complete is another step up the staircase. This process builds momentum and makes the overall journey feel less daunting. Remember, a clear plan prevents you from wandering aimlessly. It ensures every ounce of your effort moves you in the right direction.
Step 2: Embrace the Climb with a Strong Work Ethic
Taking the stairs is inherently about work. There are no shortcuts on this path. A strong work ethic is not about working burnout hours. Instead, it is about consistency, discipline, and focus. It means showing up every day, especially on the days you lack motivation. Consistency compounds over time. For example, writing 500 words daily is more effective than writing 5,000 words once a month. This steady effort builds resilience and expertise.
Moreover, you should focus on deep work. This means eliminating distractions and dedicating focused blocks of time to your most important tasks. This practice allows you to tackle complex problems and produce high-quality results. The modern world constantly fights for our attention. Consequently, the ability to concentrate is a superpower. A dedicated work ethic is the engine of your climb. It turns your goals from a distant dream into an eventual reality. Zig Ziglar Biography – University of Oklahoma
Step 3: Be ‘Lovable’ by Cultivating Connections
The quote emphasizes the importance of being “aimable,” or lovable. In the context of success, this means building strong, positive relationships. Success is rarely a solo endeavor. You need mentors, collaborators, supporters, and clients. Therefore, you should actively network and build your community. Attend industry events. Connect with peers on social media. Offer help to others without expecting anything in return. Zig Ziglar Biography – Oklahoma Hall of Fame
A strong network provides invaluable support. A mentor can offer guidance based on their experience, saving you from common pitfalls. Colleagues can provide feedback and encouragement. These relationships make the journey more enjoyable and sustainable. They are the handrails on the staircase, offering stability when you feel unsteady. Remember, your reputation is built on how you treat others. Being reliable, helpful, and genuine makes you someone people want to work with and support. Zig Ziglar Papers – University of Oklahoma Libraries
Step 4: Learn from Every Step and Stumble
The staircase to success is never perfectly smooth. You will encounter loose steps, unexpected turns, and moments of fatigue. These challenges are not roadblocks; they are learning opportunities. Embracing a growth mindset is crucial. This means you view failures as feedback, not as a reflection of your worth. When you make a mistake, analyze what went wrong. Then, adjust your approach and keep climbing.
Continuous self-improvement is a core part of this philosophy. You should always be learning. Read books, take courses, and seek feedback from others. The world is constantly changing, and your skills must evolve with it. Each new skill you acquire is like adding a new tool to your climbing gear. This commitment to learning ensures that you are not just climbing, but also growing stronger with every step. Ultimately, this resilience transforms potential setbacks into valuable lessons that propel you forward.