What is the dessert in your desert?

Life is filled with challenges that can have one quitting upon entering the road towards success. But if you are a determined person, you would know that quitting should not be an option as there will always be a challenge before the realization of success. If you take the time to understand the circle of life, how we elevate from one level to the next, you would come to realize that failing, challenges are part of the process.  Since this is so, the important determinant of success is how you deal with challenges …the dessert in your desert.

There are many literatures that provide information on how to become successful in life and the common perspective of the authors is the ability to deal with challenges, always aligning success with challenges, as though they go hand in hand…and,  in reality they do.  If we examine the life of some of our most successful men and women, we would confirm the perspective of these authors.  One of my favorite African proverbs is:

         “Smooth seas do not make skillful Sailors”

It is evident that challenges are a part of success and, it seems evident too, that as we seek growth and development we must also embrace and expect challenges.  Since this is the reality, let us move away from believing that our success will be realized without an ounce of challenge.  Let us prepare ourselves for the journey.  This preparation is what will keep us on the path as we navigate our way throughout the journey. 

One of my favorite motivational speakers, Les Brown, recounts his life before realizing his success.  He shared his story on the world stage of how he was labeled mentally retarded, unable to learn.  Surprisingly, he believed that his label represented what he truly was and it was not until he was told not to allow his circumstances to be his reality, before he began ‘dreaming big and achieving large’.  His whole perspective on who he was and what he could achieve changed because he was encouraged to change his mindset.  He became a voice for those who believed that they are unable to achieve because of their challenges….what is the dessert in your desert?

Your dessert in your desert should be sustainable, able to take you on your journey.  You should analyze your weakness and what you will need to gain strength.  Be sure to include;

FAITH – Without faith we will have no sense of direction.  You must believe in your cause and trust that success will be your reality despite your challenges.  Faith keeps you determined to continue on your path

Sometimes the dessert is not a what but a who.  Surround yourself with people who will encourage and motivate you.  People who believe in you and your dream will guide you as you journey along

DISCIPLINE – This is an integral element of success and I believe it should be your main dessert.  When you are disciplined you will commit yourself to the task ahead. As Jim Rohn stated, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment”.  To be accomplished, you must be disciplined.

CONSISTENCY – Consistency in relation to always working towards your goals.  Never confuse being consistent with being rigid.  Where there needs to be adjustments to your plan of action, then you adjust accordingly but maintain consistency in all that you do that will enable your success 

PERSEVERANCE – When you are in your desert, perseverance will help you overcome the journey while providing you with the nutritious value of staying the course despite the rough passage.  Perseverance gives you vision.  

Challenges are never meant to break you but instead are designed to build and to guide you.  It is because of challenges why we seek to improve, to become successful. The difference between the person who fails and the person who makes success their reality, is the mindset and approach.  Understand that challenges have a purpose in our lives but we determine how our success is driven by our challenges.  What is the dessert in your desert?

Reference:

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/honorable-les-brown#:~:text=When%20he%20was%20in%20fifth,and%20labeled%20as%20mentally%20retarded.