It’s interesting what people think will produce success versus what actually does. A person does not have to be the brightest, most talented, or charismatic.
One defining quality of truly successful people is intensity of focus. These are individuals who become deeply committed to a specific objective and then work very hard. Others may do the bare minimum or average or above average level of effort or throw in the towel at a certain point. These people do not.
These individuals will select a worthwhile mission, opportunity, or problem and they will be relentless. They have an ability to sustain a high degree of concentration and commitment to the task at hand. They will persist for as long as it takes. They commit all of their intellectual, emotional, and moral energy to it. They are faithful to the mission and act and think long term. They are as Collins says, “Ambitious for the mission not themselves.”
When we study our inventors or innovators or exceptional leaders, this is always present. They seem to be able to actually visualize the outcome when others around them cannot. It becomes real to them before it is reality. They don’t get distracted or diverted. Obstacles that scare or stop others do not have the same effect on them.
The truth is positive change is easily delayed or defeated. That’s why it requires leaders who remain highly focused. When you see a positive vision achieved, there will have always been leaders who are deeply invested in making it happen.
Sources: Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005.
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