TURNING POINTS

We’ve all had experience with combination locks.  We know that to unlock the lock we must know the combination and dial each of the numbers in exactly the correct order.  We also must start the process by clearing the combination by turning the dial the right direction to start the process and then turning it forward and backward the right number of turns between numbers.

We need to know a few other things to be able to operate the lock: 

• ·        We must be careful not to have any ‘overruns’ or ‘underruns’ between the numbers or turning points.  Precision is important.
• ·        We cannot speed up the process by skipping numbers or substituting numbers.
• ·        Wishful thinking or being ‘creative’ with the process, or having great desire, alone, will not open the lock.  You have to turn the dial as indicated.
• ·        We must have enough light to see the numbers clearly.
• ·        If you mess up, being sorry, alone, will not get the lock open.
• ·        Force will not help the process along.
• ·        If you make a mistake anywhere along the way you will not be successful just by going on; you must go back and start the process all over again.
• ·        You must not allow the mechanism rust or corrode through lack of use.

Where am I going with this?

In unlocking your potential or unlocking opportunities or getting access to treasures or other things of value to you,  you must follow the principles this lock example represents.  There is a process to finding success to almost anything.  You cannot just hope good things will come your way.   There is an old oriental saying that says “He who waits with his mouth open for a roast duck to fly in is in for a long wait.”  You need to make things happen.

Fortunately, in life, there are instruction books or people who can help if you are not too proud to engage them in your behalf.  There are also examples and people who didn’t quit when they had failures but knew they were on the right track.  Read about Thomas Edison’s 1,600 experiments and failures and be glad he didn’t quit.  Don’t  you quit.  

But don’t overlook a ‘turning point’ either.