The 3 Ps of Success

Answer this question:

When I grow up, I want to be ________________.

It seems funny when grownups say this, especially to those under twenty, but it’s the sentiment that helps keep our childhood dreams alive. When you finally decide to turn those dreams into reality, the 3 Ps help as you move along the road to fulfillment.

The 3 Ps are Passion, Persistence, and Patience.

 

PASSION

On the days when following your dreams is just…plain…hard, passion can pull you through.  Think long-term commitment like a stick of incense slowing smoldering. It still burns, but it takes its time, releasing its aroma slowly, but surely.

If your passion burns too hot or fast like a fuse on a stick of dynamite, it will burn out too quickly or worse, blow up.  Don’t know about you, but I have enjoyed many heated passions (yes, that kind too) that flamed out all too quickly – playing the piano and becoming the next great lounge singer to name but a few.

However, I have maintained passion for writing.  Some of my passion filled projects are still enjoying a vacation in the drawer, but my passion for the craft and joy of writing continue to simmer, fueling my desire to keep on going.

 

 

PERSISTENCE

My favorite definition of persistence is “continuing despite problems.”  And boy-o-boy, do problems, or as I prefer to call them obstacles, come in a variety of flavors.

From rejections to time management, family obligations to (momentarily) just not giving a crap. If you haven’t hit all of these yet…it’s something to look forward to on your journey. Think of hurdles as badges of honor and experiences to put in your memoir, but don’t let them stop you.

Persistence is about soldiering on in the face of delay, other people’s opinions and the hardest of all, self doubt. There are some days that I believe that the “fraud police” are going to stop me and give me a ticket for posing as a writer and voice talent.

Persistence is about becoming a hearty soul who laughs at adversity and keeps on going.

 

 

PATIENCE

“I’m an overnight success and it only took me 20 years.”

Having patience is hard. I don’t know anyone who dons Gandhi garb and is cool with waiting.  We all want success to happen as soon as possible, but most of us have a lot to learn before we are ready for success. That’s patience.

Here’s the trick – don’t focus on the when, focus on the next step. Just the next step.  Not fifteen steps ahead or three steps behind, just the next step on your path to success.

Do you have a list of steps? Do you know where you want to go and more than a vague idea of how to get there?

Consider these points…

Do you have enough training? Can you use more? (Everyone can use more)

• Is there a class you can take?
• Is there a group you can join?
• Are there books to read to improve your skill?
• Are you doing the work? If you want to be a writer, you gotta write. If you want to be a voice talent, you have to have a demo. If you want to be a pro golfer, hitting the links is imperative to your success.

When you shift your focus off “when” success will happen and just keep working on what you want – your dreams will come true before you know it, and you’ll be better prepared to deal with it when it does.

Embracing and developing a deeper sense of the 3 Ps will always help you move toward your goals – no matter how lofty or as of yet, unrealized. There is always time to follow your dreams! So what are you waiting for? Go!