Genius is 1% talent and 99% effort. 

~ Einstein

Are you looking for the easy way out? Do you cut corners to get things done? Do you want to bypass the middle to get to the end? Many look for shortcuts in life, and although a shortcut may benefit in a one-off situation, the long-term effect will only stymie success.

If you take the time, it takes less; a core concept by renowned horseman Tom Dorrance speaks to me. My lifelong equestrian experience has confirmed that training is always paramount over the competition, with the results yielding finishes worthy of the effort.

As with the many lessons I learned through horses, I can apply this to life.

You cannot bypass the process. But, unfortunately, there is evidence everywhere of those who try. In the horse world, I see parents wanting their children in the show ring instead of learning the fundamental riding skills first, eventually creating a false sense of ability in the child. In casting, I see actors buying the best equipment before having the skills warrant booking a job.

Do your homework; it’s not always fun, but often it is. You may find the journey is worth the effort.

Things to remember

The magic pill doesn’t work.

Successful people put enormous time, practice, and effort into their achievements, even though it may not be apparent to those looking in.

Passion is the fuel to succeeding. Find your passion, and the work is incidental.

It’s okay to fail; it fuels your progress.

Don’t settle for the status quo. No one strives for commonness. It is a regret we don’t want to have when we look back on life.

It’s okay to ask questions and to ask for help when we get stuck. However, leaving it to fate may not produce the outcomes we aim to reach.

Let go of the expectations others have of us. Instead, create a clear picture of the life you want, then begin living it.

Stop procrastinating; start doing.

Speak up. Find your voice of action, not one of the complaints.

Cheating doesn’t count. What’s the point of success if you can’t look yourself in the mirror? It is meaningless if there is no importance put upon it.

Invest in you. Supply your dreams enthusiastically; holding back will not generate your desired results.

You have to go slow to go fast. Building the foundation first will lead to lasting achievement.

Cutting corners will use more time spent with the do-over.

Life is a series of choices that create our lives. The result of a fulfilling life does not arise from mediocrity but from pushing through the barriers of the commonplace, finding the stamina to forge forward when the wind is at our faces, and carrying our heads high when those around us have told us it is impossible.

A shortcut is simply a detour taking us away from possible greatness. Take the time it takes, and you will look back at your life with memories of the strife that got you to where you are now, a smile knowing you had what it took, and acknowledgment that you never circumvented what was needed by looking for the easy way out.

Action breeds more clarity than thought, so you can’t think your way into a new life, you have to act your way into one.

~ unknown