“Effort only releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”

—Napoleon Hill, 20th Century American self-help author

Image from Unsplash by Scott Graham

My son Dan is very smart. In school he always got top grades with very little effort. As his dad, I always encouraged him to apply himself fully to realize even more of his potential.

One morning during his freshman year in college I tried getting him up early for an exam he had that day. Unfortunately, he dismissed my unwanted coaching as nagging, indicating that he already had a solid “A”.

The following year he transferred from Oakland University to the University of Michigan where he was no longer the sharpest tool in the shed. Seemingly overnight “B’s” replaced “A’s” and his ego took quite a hit.

With this rude awakening he then applied himself with considerable resolve to receive what he said was the best “A” he ever earned.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the most rewarding moments of your life? How often do you notice the correlation between your tenacity to never give up and the sweet satisfaction of realizing more of your potential?