Luck vs Consistency.
I hate Luck!
I mean don't get me wrong, I love a good fortune but I hate the idea of simply waiting on chance. I'm a sucker for control. Like William Henley said in Invictus,
"I am the master of my faith, I am the captain of my soul."
The idea of constantly being at the mercy of the Cosmic forces doesn't sit so great with me. Be it the forces in charge of Success or Failure. The image of me miserably floating and open to attack or assault by any whenever they seem fit isn't a very appealing picture to me.
I have a strong affinity to Laws and principles. Because they are not a respecter of people or personalities. Once applied and set in motion,will assuredly give the one who does a particular definite result. Take Newton's Law of gravity. Whatever goes up must come down. Irrespective of the size of the object, the race, tribe, sex and background of the one who sets the law in motion. A consistent, constant result is the expected end and anything outside will be an abnormality. I'd rather work on those terms. Master of my faith remember?
Being left with questions like What is it my desired outcome? What principles do I have to initiate to get said desired results? What would it cost me?
Am I ready to pay the price? Is it worth it? That is a more appealing situation. Good thing the world runs on principles and not primarily luck.
Again, I believe in good fortune or like people call it luck. But as a believer, I know from my knowledge of God and scripture that even a good fortune (or luck) is initiated by certain principles.
The Amplified Bible defines the word 'Blessed' as fortunate. And gives the criteria or principle for activating said good fortune especially in Psalm 1 verse 1
" Blessed [Fortunate, prosperous and favoured by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their counsel and example], nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the sit of the scoffers "
The statement above shows that certain principles even have to be set in motion for good fortune or luck.
Why all this talk about luck? How does it have anything to do with Design and Business you may ask
If you run a business or own one, then you know that the primary aim of a business is profit and that comes from sales (product or service). And if you know anything about making profit and running an effective business then you know the importance of financial statements, accounts, stock taking and reviews.
You do a quarterly or yearly review (if you don't have one, free lesson here) and you see the total sales or profit across the year. And most times we ignore the varying numbers, keep up with the same structures or mode of operation and cross our fingers expecting things to somehow improve.
"Madness is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result"
Is a popular statement and I couldn't agree more.
So how do you move past luck and transcend to a realm of consistent results and profit?
Simple. As stated earlier, what is your expected end? And what are the things to be done to get there?
You're going to understand that everything is an opinion until proven otherwise by consistent results. We hold so many ideologies suggested by other people that we have come to trust even though they haven't produced results. I'm reminded of Robert Kiyosakis rich Dad teaching him the true definition of an asset. It isn't real estate, it isn't your house, it isn't even stocks he said. An asset is anything that brings money into your pockets. It isn't what the banks, brokers, accountants or financial advisors say it is. If you check the numbers at the end of the day and you lost money on it and it didn't bring money in, it is NOT an asset. And that changed my perception.
What are the opinions on Business you hold so true to heart? On marketing, on money, on advertisement, on Operations that were said to work. Have they produced the expected results in your own business? If yes. That makes them valid. If no, probe them cause they might be FALSE.
What principles am I violating?
Why did I make or hit a certain number in sales in this particular month? What principles, laws or behaviors did I consciously or unconsciously apply? Good or bad. So I can repeat said result.
What are the statistics behind certain numbers. How can I repeat this good fortune?
Show me the numbers so I can crack out a formula for sustainable and consistent results.
What works. What doesn't?
What am I doing right or wrong?
What particular activity, behavior is sponsoring certain results and how do I keep doing what sponsors positive ones and eliminate negative ones?
An idea of an asset proves itself to be so by the numbers. If it is taking money out of your pocket it isn't an asset
Same way. Certain theories have been stated to you that build your mindset or ideology about a certain thing. If the numbers or results don't align, question them. They are either false or there's a mistake from your end.
For the longest, I thought saving in the bank and leaving it in itself was a good financial principle.
Everyone shouts it. Save! save! save!, But in actuality it was just another popular opinion. Personal research from books (the Bible inclusive, again ) has proved it false.
Money kept in the bank in a savings account actually reduces. Various taxes, over time can drop the value due to inflation or other economical changes and thus is not a great idea. The Bible also warns about it. The servant who dug the ground to keep his money and present it back to the master intact was considered wicked and lazy in contrast to the ones who invested and put their money to work
What theories are you holding as truth and in actuality aren't?
By their fruits (results ) you shall know them.
Wisdom is justified by her children.
It is not justified by how loud or popular it is but by the results of those who put it to use.
Take out time to take stock of your results, probe the numbers you'll find out what sponsors the results you're getting, what is lacking or what is ignored.
Bye (for now). I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section! And share this with your friends if you found it insightful!
Much love, Mezie.