In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell lists 7 statements in the chapter “The Law of Victory.” That list will be used in this series “7 Statements of Leadership.”
John Maxwell once wrote: “The best leaders feel compelled to rise to a challenge and do everything in their power to achieve victory for their people.” One of those those things they believe is that quitting is unthinkable.
“Quitting is the easiest thing to do.” Robert Kivosaki
We aren’t talking about quitting smoking, or a bad relationship, or even quitting a diet. We are talking about doing what it takes to achieve your dream or to make things better where you work (if possible). We are talking about developing – growing – in becoming a better person, a better leader. We are talking about pursuing that goal that you feel is unachievable. We are talking about your team winning a victory in any sport, or where you work. We are talking about all of that and so much more…. YOU, the reader, understand this. You know there have been times when you just want to quit.
“My mother and father….brought me along and taught me to never quit, and to strive to be the best.” Joe Montana
Elephants
Some of you reading this may be familiar with a story about how important it is to be persistent and not to quit, no matter how many failures you have experienced in the past.
A man was spending his holiday in Africa when one day he watched the elephants passing by. To his great surprise these giant, strong animals were being held only by a small rope, tied to their front leg. Obviously, they could easily run away any moment. However, they did not.
Then he saw a trainer and asked him, “How could this happen that not a single elephant makes an attempt to break free?” The trainer explained that when the elephants are very young, they use the same size rope to tie them, and at that time it is enough to hold them. Gradually they grow up, get stronger, nevertheless they never try to get away, as they believe that the rope will still hold them.
The man was stunned. These strong animals could break free any time, but they did not, because they believed that breaking the rope was impossible.
The point:
Sometimes people act like elephants, when they give up after the first failure. Remember, that failures are part of learning. If we want to succeed, we should never quit. Keep trying. And then try again.
Advantages
The advantages of not quitting? Here are some:
- Victory in reaching your goal.
- Victory in developing that project.
- Victory in finishing that race (and maybe winning it).
- Victory in living your dream.
- Victory in overcoming that difficult thing in your life.
There are so many positive things that can happen when a person does not quit.
Michael Jordan once said “If you quit ONCE it becomes a habit.Never quit!!!”
What are some advantages of not quitting that you can think of? I welcome your comments.