Talent is Never Enough

There is so much to share about this book, Talent is Never Enough by John Maxwell.  First, let me address who should read this book.  This book is for parents and those who need to fan the flames of initiative in order to awaken their passions, resulting in the accomplishment of concrete predetermined worthwhile goals.   Here are some initial quotes from the book:

            :You've removed most of the roadblocks to success when you know the difference between motion and direction."  Bill Copeland

            "Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction."  President John F. Kennedy

            "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."  Will Rogers

            "A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.  Successful people forget.  They know the past is irrevocable.  They're running a race.  They can't afford to look behind.  Their eye is on the finish line. Magnanimous people forget. They're too big to let little things disturb them. They forget easily. If anyone does them wrong, they consider the source and keep cool.  It's only the small people who cherish revenge. Be a good forgetter. Business dictates it, and success demands it."  Elbert Hubbard

            "Develop the talent you have, not the one you want."

            "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

            "Those who wing it, will soon find other flying past them."

            "What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."

Thirteen Key Choices:

1.      Belief lifts your talent.

2.      Passion energizes your talent.

3.      Initiative activates your talent.

4.      Focus directs your talent.

5.      Preparation positions your talent.

6.      Practice sharpens your talent.

7.      Perseverance sustains your talent.

8.      Courage tests your talent.

9.      Teachability expands your talent.

10.  Character protects your talent.

11.  Relationships influence your talent.

12.  Responsibility strengthens your talent.

13.  Teamwork multiplies your talent.

 

The Ohio State Football Winners Manual states that talent is not enough, therefore players are required to be:

1.      punctual

2.      give more effort than required

3.      patient

4.      unselfish

These are the characteristics that define winners!  Talent is a gift, but you must earn success.

 

Frank Lloyd Wright noted, “The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.”  

 

Solomon said, “A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.”  He also said, “There is a way which seems right to man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”  But, “Show me a man diligent in his work, and he will stand before kings, and not before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29

 

King David said, “I will make known to you the paths of life; in his presence is fullness of joy, and his right hand are pleasures forever more.”