There once was a young man that was in search of the strength to succeed. He knew he wanted to be successful, but felt he lacked the strength to succeed. He was young and inexperienced. He needed to find mentors to teach him the secret of gaining strength. So he set out on a quest to learn how to gain this much needed and elusive strength.

The first successful man he found told him to heed the quote of Abraham Lincoln who once said “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” But how was he to know if his feet were placed in the right place? How could he possibly stand firm if he lacked strength? Although this advice was sound, he did not understand its value at this point. Maybe he should seek higher help.

His quest lead him across a dessert that was so hot and dry, he felt he may die, but he pushed on to seek the advice of a beautiful, successful lady he had heard about from a friend. Once he reached this very strong successful lady, he was so relived. He told her of his quest and his travels just to seek her advice about the strength to succeed. The lady told him to heed the quote of Marge Piercy who once told her “A strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not be done.” Again, it was very sound advice, but what would he find that others would not do? He must seek even higher advice to complete his quest.

He set out to climb the highest mountain where he heard of a wise, strong, successful man who had retired there. His quest was so tough from the climb, the elements, the rugged terrain and the driving winds, he almost quit several times. His determination kept him on task to seek the advice of this successful man. He finally reached the most beautiful estate he had ever seen. Its breath taking beauty was overwhelming, along with the amazing views. He came to the door of the wise, strong man and was invited in. He told him of his quest and wanted his quote that would help him become strong enough to succeed. The wise man ask the young man the details of his quest and the people who had advised him. He asked the young man if he felt he had found the advice of everyone necessary. The young man reassured him that he had. The wise successful man disagreed. He said “you forgot to ask the most important person on earth for advice.” The young man was stunned. How could he have missed this person? Who is this person and how do I find him he thought? The most important person on earth to ask for strength is you. You determine your strength. The young man was disappointed with his answer until the successful man explained, “it was your difficult quest that has built your strength to this point and it is the adversity you conquer that will continue to build your strength to succeed. Continue on your quest and success is what you will find, for success is a journey not a destination. Embrace your struggles, for that is where you find your strength to succeed.”

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”-–Buddha

Image by duron123 at www.freedigitalphotos.net

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Tim Wilhoit is owner/principal of Your Friend 4 Life Insurance Agency in Nashville, TN. He is a family man, father of 3, entrepreneur, insurance agent, life insurance broker, salesman, sales trainer, recruiter, public speaker, blogger, author and team leader with over 28 years of experience in sales and marketing in the insurance and beverage industries.