The Atlanta Falcons traded up 21 spots to take wide receiver Julio Jones from the University of Alabama. Why would the Falcons organization make such a daring and controversial move? The Falcons had seen that Julio had consistently made the effort to do what it takes to win. They felt that Jones could make the Falcons’ offense much more explosive.
The one who is considered the wisest man to have ever lived said, “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4). In other words, if you make the effort, you will reap the reward.
I don’t doubt that most of us can recall a time when we failed to receive a desired reward because were not willing to put forth the effort. You probably can remember a time when you could have succeeded in some area if you had only made the effort. Maybe it was to get in shape physically or lose weight. Maybe it was to make an “A” in that class, or become an expert at fishing (I live on the gulf coast). Maybe it was to build a stronger marriage, or move up to that desired position in the company, or even start your own company. Whatever the case, making the effort is all it would have taken for you to succeed.
One commonality among all truly successful people is that they achieved their success by their own hard work. If you want to get to the top in any area of life, making the effort is essential.
In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell talks about The Law of Sacrifice, which says, a leader must give up to go up. In considering where you want to be or what you want to achieve, ask yourself, “Am I willing to pay the price?” In other words, are you willing to sacrifice time, energy, money to achieve your dream or reach your goal?
What is it that you want to achieve? A better marriage? To be a better parent, friend, or team member? To become a better leader? To get in better physical condition? To become more knowledgeable or skilled in a particular field? How bad do you want it? Are you willing to make the effort?
My hope is that this article will help to generate within you a passion to put forth the effort by working smarter, pushing harder, and lasting longer so that you can reach your goals. Don't wait until tomorrow to start making the effort. Start today. You won't regret it.
