His view of success in cricket is not necessarily winning. He is not afraid to lose a cricket match. He is only concerned that his team put 100% effort into the game. He comments:
"If we do put that effort in we usually win anyway".
Success then is putting in 100% effort whatever the results. More often than not, however, the results will be excellent.
Michael Angier has a great definition of success.
"Success is the result of steadily taking action on our most important goals. When we consistently focus our energies and our efforts upon what matters most, we can't help but be successful".
Angier also admires Ralph Waldo Emerson's comments on success:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded."
What are the causes of failure and success?
William James, the great American psychologist, puts failure down to lack of faith in one self
"There is but one cause of human failure. And that is man's lack of faith in his true self."
Faith in one self is a huge part of success. Stuart Goldsmith in "The Midas Method" talks about two kinds of belief that are necessary for success. You must believe that you deserve to succeed and you must believe that you have the ability to succeed.
Another big cause of success is discipline.
"The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term is the indispensable prerequisite for success." Brian Tracy
Another cause is the willingness to try to succeed even if the possiblity of success is remote.
"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead."
Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American Writer
My computer guru, Danny believes that you should hold on to your dream in all circumstances and never let go. Grab hold of your vision with an iron fist and even if you are down on your luck and in the gutter never give up.
Danny himself has held on to a dream for 22 years. His dream is to develop the best languages translator in the world.
It does not matter if you are 72 - grab hold of your dream. Actually visualize your hand holding on to that dream. Too many people are worn down by life and give up their dreams.
Every dream is personal but the principle is the same. You are an idiot if you let go. You have to have a reason for living. Set yourself a goal and never let go until you die.
There is nothing you can't do. If you can't swim 10 lengths without a rest, train for a few months and you will be able to swim 50 lengths.
Danny's comments about swimming reminded me about how little is taught at school about how training can improve your abilities.
At my school in the Isle of Man, there was an annual half mile swim in the sea. I knew I would drown if I attempted this but no one ever suggested that I start training hard so that I would be capable of completing the swim.
I was just classified as someone who could not do the swim. It did not occur to me that through determined training I would be able to do what I could not previously do.
When Danny was young he was a skinny weakling. But one day he decided that this was not a good thing. He filled out and did some weight training and set up his own fitness, strength and flexibility routine.
He performs this every other day. This avoids the boredom of a daily routine. He does 200 situps, 30-50 leg raises and three or fo
收藏至：
