We all know those people who succeed in whatever they do, wherever they go. Not much can stop them, and when they run into problems they are seemingly always able to solve them. At the same time, we also know those people who sit around and make excuses about why they aren't successful. They blame others for their setbacks and don't take responsibility for their own actions that have left them where they are.
So what is it that makes one or the other? Why are certain people seemingly always successful, while others can't seem to "catch a break."? It's really quite simple. Successful people think about what they can provide in exchange for something in return. They concern themselves with becoming more valuable. They see problems, sometimes seek problems, and they attempt to solve them. They thrive on creating their work, learning and growing from past experiences and mistakes.
On the other hand, unsuccessful people only do what they're told. They lack the mindset of "learn more, earn more." Often they will create sob stories, and look at others as if they were given something that they weren't. When presented with opportunites, they find reasons why they can't.
This will hold true in regards to all aspects of life.
I have spent a lot of time throughout my life thinking about this, and some time even struggling myself trying to "catch a break." Lets be honest, no one is perfect and everybody goes through rough patches, even the most successful. This isn't meant to demean people who are struggling, but hopefully shed some light their way on how to shift their paradigm. Because that is all that it is; a mindset.
Here is a piece from Canadian-American poet Walt Mason aka Uncle Walt, that covers this topic.
The Welcome Man
There's a man in the world who is never turned down,
Wherever he chances to stray;
he gets the glad hand in the populous town,
or out where the farmers make hay;
he's greeted with pleasure on deserts of sand,
and deep in the aisles of the woods;
wherever he goes there's the welcoming hand
—he's The Man Who Delivers the Goods.
The failures of life sit around and complain;
the gods haven't treated them white;
they've lost their umbrellas whenever there's rain,
and they haven't their lanterns at night;
men tire of the failures who fill with their sighs
the air of their own neighborhoods;
there's one who is greeted with love-lighted eyes
—he's The Man Who Delivers the Goods.
One fellow is lazy, and watches the clock,
and waits for the whistle to blow;
and one has a hammer, with which he will knock,
and one tells a story of woe;
and one, if requested to travel a mile,
will measure the perches and roods;
but one does his stunt with a whistle or smile
—he's The Man Who Delivers the Goods.
One man is afraid that he'll labor too hard—
The world isn't yearning for such;
and one man is always alert, on his guard,
lest he put in a minute too much;
and one has a grouch or a temper that's bad,
and one is a creature of moods;
so it's hey for the joyous and rollicking lad
— for the One Who Delivers the Goods!
Walt Mason