The general theory of

Hi Michael,

> Success, as most would know it, goes a
> little like this...

> Desire + Focused-Action = Success.

> Focused-Action being a natural by-product of
> Desire. And Desire being a natural
> by-product of Belief.

> The stronger the belief the more you desire
> it and will take action-steps towards it.

> Belief = Desire = Action = Success.

I like this formula.... It's very clear and also very true!

> What If there is another element. A hidden
> element that, unless discovered, continues
> to undermine all the affirmations and mental
> images and whatever other techniques you use
> to increase your belief.

> And I'm not talking about your Motivation...
> you reason for wanting what you desire. And
> yet, in a sense I am.

> What If, after all is said and done, all it
> really boils down to is your

> PRIORITIES!

[...]

> But you want to start a business. That means
> Risk.

> Risk is NOT Security.

> Your basic priorities are NOT IN TUNE with
> what you want.

> You say you want to take a risk and start a
> business yet you're exhibiting security
> priorities. And that's a clash.

I believe this is true.... Many are afraid of the risk (with possibly good reason in some cases).

One interesting thing, which we've discussed here on Sowpub quite a while ago, is that many billionaires seem to be poker players.... Bill Gates, John Kluge, and Carl Icahn are all billionaires and have been active poker players in their past. Kirk Kerkorian, another billionaire, used to play blackjack and shoot craps. Warren Buffett is an expert bridge player.

Successfully playing poker and many other gambling-skill type games, when you think about it, is partly about managing your risk - it's all about probabilities.... As well as being aware of various clues from your fellow players, you have to assess the risks involved with making a higher bid, calling, or folding (or whatever the case may be), or when deciding which cards to replace in your hand....

The thing is, risk is something which can be managed.... Yet (strangely to me) this seems to almost never be covered in many of the popular business books.... The only place I can think of seeing it in many popular books is the concept of "testing" in mail order....

> You've heard stories of ships being burnt
> and scuttled to encourage the
> "troops" to put their heart and
> soul into the task. Living takes priority
> now because there's no other way out.

> When the path of least resitance is gone
> there's only one path left and it takes
> priority.

Yes, I agree with this.... It's not always practical for everyone to "burn their bridges behind them," but I do think that those who do, probably have a higher rate of success, because they've put themselves in a "do or die" type situation.... They cannot afford to fail, so they do all they can not to! There's no room for laziness or hesitation....

> Why do new migrants seem to do better than
> third or fourth generation descendants?

> Is it simply because they have diferent
> priorities? Can't hardly speak the language,
> have little if any skills. Their back is
> against the wall and action Must be taken or
> death will be certain. Their priorities
> dictate everything.

> Their priorities give strength to their
> desire. Their priorities give weight to
> their actions.

Wow, this is interesting!

I've wondered about migrants.... It seems to be a regular statistic, new migrants seem to have an above average tendency for success in their new found land.... Often this brings jealousy from the longer term residents of that land.... But why is it so?

I think you've probably hit the nail on the head, Michael! I think you're right, these migrants are in more of a "do or die" type situation than the average person.... They MUST "make it" because they have no other choice!

Again, this doesn't mean that this is what everyone should do, but it's an interesting thing to take note of....

> Where are your prioroties? Have a look at
> your actions to determine them.

> So in a nutshell...

> If you have a desire to be rich, and run a
> successful business, but your priority is a
> secure income for your family, you might
> have a problem taking the first step in
> business.

> What do you think?

Which course is better of course depends on a person's situation.... It is probably easier for a young person without a family dependent on him or her for their next meal to take chances....

I think for those who cannot afford to take the big risks, they should focus part of their efforts on risk management.... Making sure they do have fallback positions, and test (in an inexpensive way) where it's possible....

That was a very thought provoking post, Michael.... There were a lot of truths there, I really enjoyed it.... :)

- Dien