Dedication to the Cause
“Talent is cheap; dedication is expensive. It will cost you your life.”
Irving Stone, (original name Irving Tennenbaum,) is the man behind the above words of wisdom. He was an American writer of historical biographies. Stone first came to prominence with the publication of Lust for Life (1934), a vivid fictionalized biography of the painter Vincent Van Gogh.
EDITOR’S NOTE – ENJOY PART 4 AND PRIOR BELOW
The Agony and the Ecstasy, Stone termed his work “bio-history.” Through meticulous and exhaustive research, he verified and expanded his preconception of a selected historical character. Then, by immersing himself in the subject’s native environment, and reading all available original documents, from letters and diaries to research notes and household accounts, he acquired the basis for imaginary or reconstructed dialogue (Source).
There may not be a widespread consensus on the above statement as a whole, especially about the cheapness of talent. However, the sagacious readers of this article will be well placed to decide for themselves the value of `talent` that goes to waste because of inaction. Until and unless you act upon your talent, and act with total dedication, there is every possibility the same will go unnoticed, and hence it shall be rendered worthless.
So, the next question is, what is meant by `dedication` and how does one become dedicated? The answer lies in the following quote from Maurice Young: “To become a master at any skill, it takes the total effort of your heart, mind, and soul working together in tandem.”
The total effort of one`s heart, mind, and soul working together in tandem is what signifies dedication. Lack of either one or more of the above shots, or a lower contribution thereof would result in less than stellar results.
The total effort of one`s heart, mind, and soul working together in tandem is what signifies dedication. Lack of either one or more of the above shots, or a lower contribution thereof would result in less than stellar results. Once we put together the faculties as mentioned above behind our talent and ensure that they are all working in tandem, the energy so generated shows us the path forward and helps us attain continued progress.
How genuinely we feel about something, how far we decide to go in exploring the same, and then what level of commitment we generate towards making the initial thought a reality, it all sums up in the form of dedication. How can we ever dedicate ourselves to anything, cause, or activity without feeling deeply about it? Our motivation may find its roots in either of the following factors:
- An obligation to complete an assigned job
- To accomplish something new
- An expectation of a reward
- To challenge ourselves
- To compete to win
- To guide others
- Success
There are lots more other contributory factors that demand dedication. However, the majority of them will find their roots in one or more of those mentioned above.
We find yet another significant example relating to the power of dedication in the following words from Roy T. Bennett: “Dedicate yourself to what gives your life true meaning and purpose; make a positive difference in someone’s life.”
“Roy T. Bennett is the author of The Light in the Heart. He loves sharing positive thoughts and creative insight that has helped countless people to live a successful and fulfilling life. He hopes that his writing will help you become what you are capable of becoming.” (Source). Of course, there is a distinct feeling of inner satisfaction in making a positive difference in someone else`s life. Not only that, there is also a time-tested proverb to the effect: “what goes around comes around.”
We are very fortunate to have the really vast numbers of highly successful visionaries that continue to offer us valuable guidance to derive maximum leverage out of our lives. They have clearly defined for us how to live and also how to lead. They tell us how to give love and also how to receive love. These outstanding individuals worked to the very best of their own capabilities, with the highest degree of dedication, to get to the position from where they could share their own experiences, and also their immense wealth for free. The only cost for us to enjoy these hidden treasures is to follow their path and dedicate ourselves.
“Give your best today AND give it all you’ve got! At the end of the day, it’s better to feel exhausted and happy, than depressed and overwhelmed.” ― Farshad Asl.
To borrow a quote from Top Leaders, Inc., “Farshad Asl believes there are no excuses in life, only opportunities! His mission is to develop leaders who inspire leadership in others, leaving a legacy that impacts the lives of people we touch with passion and integrity.” No doubt, we find much relevance in the above words that implore us never to feel depressed or overwhelmed. His simple recipe demands total dedication to the cause.
Going further, we find even more inspiration in this simple, and yet an essential quote from Sunday Adelaja: “Dedicate time to yourself and do things that help you grow.” As per Wikipedia, he “is the founder and senior pastor of the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations, an evangelical, charismatic megachurch, and a Christian denomination in Kiev, Ukraine.”
Indulging in meaningful pursuits, giving it all the best we can, and by utilizing the power of dedication to carry out any given task, we can accomplish way more success. No doubt, we shall earn much higher rewards concerning a hidden treasure than by just doing our job in a monotonous fashion. To help us delve deeper into this bountiful approach towards life, the same author takes us a step ahead: “In order to answer the question “Where am I going?” one needs to work for self-improvement, to possess decisiveness, to have a will to win and dedication to achieve the goal at all cost”
Before I sum it up, there is a vital message I would love to share with my discerning readers looking forward to acquiring the proverbial hidden treasure. The following advice comes from none other than Thomas A. Edison, one of the most successful inventors by far: “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
How can we, in our sane mind, dispute the above assertion? The value so abundantly found in each one of the above quotes shall suffice for a serious-minded individual, keen to make a significant difference in his or her own life and that of so many others. Not only does the adoption of the above changes in our daily life hold the key to immense wealth but, at the same time, the all too important sense of accomplishment derived from these initiatives can bring us many hidden rewards.
TRY IT, WHO KNOWS YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!
An absolute masterpiece my friend. The talent quote hit home several people that work for me came from big box stores. They were under paid and always passed over for promotions. They work with that me now, they get paid good and all of them are ready for a store. The big box placed no value on these amazingly talented people
As always, a Million Thanks, Dear Friend, Guide, and Mentor, Larry! I feel blessed to see you putting the unrecognized talent to meaningful pursuits. I wish you and your TEAM all success, all the way!