Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day
Earlier this week, I attended my regular cardio kickboxing class. You know, one of those classes where you can burn 500+ calories in one hour. During this class, as it was only my second time there, I was in awe of the instructor and her amount of energy. Today, it was rather suiting that I nickname her “Energizer Bunny” as she keeps going and going and had a pink top on. 
I consider this nickname not to be offensive by any means, but rather a strong compliment. I wish I was the “Energizer Bunny.” This lady was awesome, she really kicked my butt. I was ready to stop half way through the class, but I forced myself to keep going.
I thought to myself, “WOW, I wish I was just like her,” as I admired her skill and endurance. I had to remind myself that she didn’t acquire her toned body or level of endurance overnight. I obviously saw the end-product that she is today, but I did not see the journey that it took to get there.
Many of us see successful people and wish we were them. What we don’t see is the journey that it takes for them to get there, perhaps a winding road with all the ups AND the downs. I am a strong believer that hardwork, perseverance, and patience are three key ingredients for success. As the saying goes… “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and neither was great success. We need to remind ourselves to enjoy the journey as sometimes the most memorable moments are in the chase. Sometimes mistakes are what make us stronger and that much better the next time around. Managing our own personal finances is a journey that has ups and downs, but the end result is what matters. Will you cross that finish line? I hope so.
Does this story and analogy remind you of any personal experience you’ve had? I love reader comments. :)
Image: vichie81 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Great message here! I happen to agree with you. It takes time and efffort to make things happen and to achieve most goals. It’s easy to be jealous or impatient, but it takes effort to acheive. Things don’t happen overnight, but occur as a result of hard work along the way. I really think that perseverence is a huge predictor of future success.
That being said, let’s enjoy each step of the way. Life is short, might as well enjoy every day as much as you can, right? Why the heck not?
For me, I can think about having accumulated retirement savings as being a result of a lot of hard work. My first job out of college paid little, and consequently I saved little:) But making some decent career moves along the way, while trying to hold expenses low, helped me build up savings. I just took discipline and perseverence.
I’m sure I can think of more interesting examples non-personal finance-related, but we’ll go with this one for now:)
Thanks for the comment Squirrelers! I love your name… Exactly, great things are a result of hard work along the way.
Most things in life that are worthwhile require hardwork and perseverance. As life has it’s ups and downs, we must learn to enjoy the ups and learn from the downs, and also have a goal(s) in mind where we are heading. BTW, thanks for the tweet, I really appreciate it… I’m still new to twitter and trying to figure out what I’m doing 
if you haven’t noticed already lol.
It’s definitely impressive to see people at the peak of their trade. They are who I gain motivation from whenever I try and do something new.
Financial Samurai recently posted..The Economy Will Be Just Fine: 40,000 People Can’t Be Wrong!
That’s a great way to look at it! Great way to build motivation