Consider the Ant?
Someone has said that to succeed at anything you must have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish. That vision may change but you need a guiding pattern, a picture of what you want to accomplish. Many will direct to get a photograph of something that represents your vision of success and put that picture where you’ll see it daily—such as on the mirror in your bathroom.
It’s also well said that you need to not only set goals but also industriously plan how you’ll meet those goals. I agree with both vision and goal setting, but I think there’s something more important: you need to diligently work at those tasks and responsibilities you now have. I’ve found that opportunities come to me not before, but after I’ve spent significant time and energy not just planning but also working at the various ventures in which I’m currently engaged.
As important as vision, goal setting and planning are, I’ve found that diligence and conscientiousness are the true keys to success! Have a clear vision of your dreams and set specific goals; but, more importantly, be diligent to labor with excellence in all you do today. That will prepare you to recognize and accept opportunities that come your way. When they appear you will not only recognize them, but you will be able to go after them with all that is in you.
If you fail to perform each task for which you are currently responsible with enthusiasm and excellence, you may miss a significant opportunity when it comes in that you may not recognize it. Hard work and diligence seems to sensitize one to recognizing opportunities. If you fail to recognize a bright opportunity it will pass you by. Having missed it, you’ll have no ability to go after it.
Therefore; set your vision and goals, and plan for success; but, at all costs be sure to condition yourself to recognize opportunity through daily diligence. Although surely you are wiser than an ant, nonetheless, consider how industrious it is.
Proverbs 6: 6-8:
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, 8 Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
