What It Takes

I am blessed to have been raised the way I was. My parents taught me early that intelligence and hard work are necessary to succeed in life. They valued education above all else - an education that consisted of academics, sports, faith, and culture. School was a priority and anything less than an "A" was unacceptable. I remember thinking when I was young that my parents were too strict and that they expected too much of me. I felt their expectations for me were due to their own shortcomings and, in a sense, I was right. My parents wanted me to have a life that was better than theirs. They did not want to see me make the mistakes that they learned from and ensured my academic success from day one. My mom was a perfectionist and would tear up my homework assignments if they had so much as a smudge on them that did not belong there. If a single letter was crooked, erasing was not an option since erasers left marks - I was sure to restart the entire assignment - clean and ready for presentation. I learned that my work was a reflection of me. Sure, I could have gotten by on average effort and received average grades, but average was for everyone else. If I wasn't at the top of my class in school, it was bad news for me. So why am I thankful for being raised in such a regimented environment? Because it instilled in me the iron will to do better, to be better, to succeed. My raising instilled good habits that I continue to use today. Life is, after all, about habits. I saw the way my parents suffered when they couldn't pay bills and money was tight. I know what it's like to see my parents searching the entire house for change so they could buy a meal. At an early age, I knew that things would be different for me - they had to be. I had two parents who believed strongly in me and would not allow me to take a road that would end in failure. But success comes at a price and much sacrifice. The many late nights making homework assignments perfect, the sports practices that went longer than they should have, the commitments at church and all the constant chores. I was not allowed to sit around the house. If my parents would see me sitting down on the couch, it could only mean that I had too much time on my hands and that time was sure to be filled with something productive. I always thought, "My friends have it so easy." I look back now, though, and I look at where I am today and I am grateful for it all. It paid off....but the journey does not end and there is still much work to do. I remember when I received my Commission as a brand new Officer in the Marines. After my initial training, I received orders to a unit where I would get the chance to lead Marines right away. The day I received my platoon of 41 Marines, my Battery Commander asked me why I thought I would succeed. I responded that I was scared to death of failure because I knew that in this business, failure meant dead or injured Marines. It was a humbling moment and today I maintain the same mentality - I still refuse to fail. Notice that I did not say that I am afraid to make mistakes - We all make mistakes, but failure is not an option and it shouldn't be an option for you. Let me forewarn you, however. Once you succeed, many people will want to dethrone you. They will want what you have and they will want it from you. They will feel entitled to your stuff. They will say whatever it takes to make people believe things that are untrue about you. Their own insecurities will lead them to foolish action and for that, you will pay the price. Remember, I said that success comes at a price. People will want to see you fail and they will go to extreme measures, even deceive the ones you love and care about, to defame your name . They will turn people against you. However - If you are tough enough and you have the mettle to succeed, then push forward and do so with pride and dignity. Don't be jaded by a few insignificant people that have never amounted to anything in life, or by the people that will gladly ride on your coat tails and exploit your success. These people will go away with the wind. They will be a pain in your butt for awhile, but in time they will fall on their face and be forgotten. Take the high road! Don't let them get to you - Live the life you dream of living! I promise you it is worth all of the effort!