In high school and part of college I competed on the forensics team in debate, oratory, humor, drama, and poetry and (pardon me for tooting my own horn) did really well at it. Actually, I lied. I did well in all areas except debate. Debate was a giant thorn in my side and I’d leave the debate floor feeling like I wrestled a hippopotamus in the wallow. So after a couple years, I decided to leave debate behind. But that’s not what this is about; this post is about working towards a goal, and working hard.
Enter the W^8 formula (imagine cool theme song here).
Just in case the image burns your eyes out, here it is in plain text:
The W8 Formula
Working Will Win When Wishy Washy Wishing Won’t.
Okay okay, I admit that it’s a little cheesy (cheesy enough that I gave it it’s own goofy motivational poster). Cheesiness aside, I like it, and it’s easy to remember. My high school forensics coach, Mr. C, taught me the W8 formula and oddly enough, it’s one of the few lessons I remember from high school. The W8 formula works for any goal or ambition.
Take a second and think of some goals and aspirations you have. Maybe you want to travel the world with nothing but the clothes on your back, or you want to build a business, or you want to win the state, national, or world championship in tennis. Thinking about it is nice. Working toward it is better.
When I competed in forensics, I made the goal to achieve the highest honor from the National Forensic League in my speech events. It seemed impossible, and reaching it wasn’t easy. Some days I practiced for hours after homework and chores, but I worked it often and hard. Hundreds of hours and 3 years later I achieved top honors from the National Forensic League.
And now, years later I find myself at times sitting back and thinking, “When this business goes big, I’ll travel the world.” Or, “When I get some time I’m going to spend it serving others.” It’s easy to sit back and dream of the future, waiting for whatever it is you’re waiting for to happen, and it’s fun to fantasize of what could be. And guess what? It never happens. It remains a wish.
I have to remind myself that nothing–nothing–is going to happen until I shoulder my pack and get to work. If I’m going to build my business, I’d better start because it won’t build itself.
And so, I remember W8 and get to work.
Do you have any sayings that remind you to buckle down and get to work? Let’s hear them in the comments below.
Ah, yes. W8. It’s very true…although you can rely on talent for a while, working always pays off in the log run.
Good point. Thanks.