Thanks to mountain climber Ed Viesturs for inspiration on today’s blog. The title is a variation of his book titled No Shortcuts to the Top which I discussed in my previous post.
The overriding theme I took from Ed’s presentation and book is that taking shortcuts doesn’t work. All big endeavors take planning, patience, and persistence. And, you’d better be plenty motivated!
Taking shortcuts on the mountain can get you killed.
Taking shortcuts in business and life may lead to short-term successes, but you’ll compromise your chances for long-term success, and you’ll compromise your integrity along the way.
Television commercials continually spout instant success. Lose 20 pounds. Find happiness with one blue pill. Be admired. Be loved. Be the envy of the neighborhood … all without much effort. Social media gurus claim you can have instant success by simply following their six steps or easy formula. Our world of instant gratification is based on shortcuts.
Climbing a mountain takes time and lots of effort.
Succeeding in business is a process and takes lots of hard work.
Obtaining fulfillment in one’s life involves giving more than you take … day after day.
There are no shortcuts.
Have the shortcuts you’ve been taking produced the long-term results that you want?
What shortcuts are you currently taking that you know won’t lead you to your goal?
Are you willing to stop taking shortcuts?
Next Blog Title: U.S. Military Acts with Gumption in Bin Laden Ending
Next Blog Date: May 2, 2011