Just suit up and show up

 “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

 Thomas Alva Edison

When I first heard that quote, I thought it was an utterly ridiculous concept, even if it did come from one of our greatest inventors.  Surely he was wrong, and in fact genius was a God given talent that allows those in possession of it to breeze through life by lending their divine gift to society in order to solve the world’s problems without lifting hardly a finger.  Perspiration? No way.

I know you have been taught how many failures our greatest heroes have had to endure before they reached the heights of their success.  I know you have heard of the lack of education that some very successful people have had, but yet they seem to overcome it and become our greatest thinkers.  And, I know you have heard or no of the man that starts a sandwich shop, landscape company, or car wash that is able to turn it into a multi million dollar success with a thousand dollars borrowed from an elderly aunt.  But how?  I will tell you – perspiration.  By working at it long and hard.  By perspiring 99%.

I was taught to get up, suit up, and show up every day.  I often tell my employees to give me a good eight hours and go home.   Woody Allen said “Eight percent of success is just showing up.”  Woody is right.

My point is that you will not be brilliant every day.  You will not be a genius every time out.  Nor will you shine every minute of every day, but you will be brilliant, a genius, and shine at some of moment of your life.  But, if you are not suited up and have not shown up, no will be there to observe your inspiration.

Just keeping putting one foot in front the other, no matter what curve life may throw you.

As long as you are breathing, the race isn’t over.

Leave me a comment.

Thanks,

Mike