We all strive to achieve our goals and hopefully find success; we also know there will be pitfalls and obstacles along the way.
Imagine if you will a ladder with twelve rungs, each represents the way most of us think in our day to day activities when confronted with choices and decisions we must make.
The way I see it, the lowest to the topmost rung can be depicted as follows:
I DIDN’T / I CAN’T / I DON’T I THINK I CAN / I DON’T KNOW / I DON’T THINK I KNOW / I THINK I’LL TRY / I’LL TRY / I THINK I CAN / I CAN / I THINK I WILL / I WILL /I DID
I didn’t or can’t or don’t think I can, / are the thoughts of an idle mind, / don’t linger too long on the lower rungs, / or you’ll be left behind.
The climb may be long and difficult, / filled with hardship, adversity and pain, / and each move you make, and step you take, / can at times seem wasted and in vain.
Climbing the Ladder to Success / can leave you bruised and with scars, / life can be harsh, but stay steadfast and strong, / and always reach for the stars.
Avoid temptations that weaken the spirit, / refrain from gossip and idle chatter, / be patient, composed, and keep your feet planted firmly, / and concentrate on the things that matter.
Do your best and strive for perfection, / put aside foolish thoughts and schemes, / treat others with respect and dignity, / and never lose sight of your dreams.
Be principled, upright, and persevere, / take adversity in your stride, / be knowledgeable in your field, rise above the rest, / with dignity and pride.
Be decent, kind, and refrain from insults, / let positive energy like a river flow, / be humble, but strong, and remember the Proverb, / in life we often reap what we sow.
Be disciplined, self-assured, admit your mistakes, / make all your efforts and time well spent, / accept success with grace and humility, / face failure with courage and strength.
Walk on the path of virtue and truth, / avoid avarice and greed, and know evils stings, / and that in life there is nothing more important, / then placing your family above all things.
Some say opportunity knocks but once, / so don’t hesitate to open the door, / you might miss that chance to find success, / and new vistas yet to explore.
Beware of enemies, competitors and skeptics, / confront antagonisms and brazen talk, / speak firmly with confidence, send a defiant message, / though they may accuse you, threaten and balk.
Remember you control the path of your life, / and by your decisions you are bound, / you might falter on the ladder to success, / but don’t be disheartened, be driven, the answers are waiting to be found.
And know as you ascend the ladder, / that the climb to success never ends, / more than a destination, it’s a journey, / with family, colleagues and friends.
And always remember as your climb the ladder, / look back and make room in your busy mind, / so that you never forget where you came from, / and those you’ve left behind.
And should you reach the top of the Ladder, / be mindful no matter what you achieve, / that there’s more to success then fortune and power, / and that it’s better to give than receive.
You may be filled with doubt and uncertainty at times, / and think what if I fail, God forbid, / but don’t be the quitter who in the end says I didn’t, / be the winner who can say I did.
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