Political upheaval, corrupt leaders, load shedding, runaway costs, bad economy, weak Rand – the challenges are enormous.
But remember – you are the captain of your ship- only you can choose what to do- how to respond- to succeed or fail.
And choosing to succeed- to rise above life’s challenges- may be demanding – require effort and sacrifice-may take time.
Nothing of value has ever come cheaply!
It’s a question of how badly you want it- what you are prepared to do – of single mindedness- determination and persistence.
Easy to say – not easy to do!
It’s your choice!
Life may deal the cards, but only you can play the hand!
As some of you may know, I have always been a disciple of positive thinking! And have had the good fortune to be exposed to many really strong motivational speakers and writers.
I recently came across an amazing story about J K Rowling – the author of the Harry Potter book series. A classic story of triumph over adversity. Of perseverance and determination.
Just watch Warren Buffets video on YouTube – “Why 2% succeed and 98% don’t” – its entertaining and more importantly – conveys a fundamental principle – pursuing a goal with persistence and determination!
Without going into a long and possibly confusing discussion about the definitions of success or failure, lets just accept that each person has their own definition of success or failure. It’s a personal perspective.
Everyone wants to be a success. No one wants to be a failure. And understandably so. Success and failure, however, are terms meant to define events, not people. You are either successful at doing
something, or achieving some milestone, or you failed at doing something or did not achieve some milestone. That does not imply that you are a complete success or a complete failure.
If you have read this article so far, and if you remember some of my previous missives, you are probably wondering about where I am heading.
The simple answer is – the same destination – the same mantra – as previously.
As you may know, my speciality is corporate finance – and more specifically the practice of building predictive financial models – models which in my opinion have significant value for all persons engaged in directing the affairs of corporate entities or projects.
And my perspective is based on many years in the real world of business – not on any academic or theoretical beliefs. As the saying goes – “I have walked the talk”!
Successful failures are the hallmark of complacency – of accepting the status quo, of failing to appreciate the changing environment – of failing to develop a reliable effective planning tool.
A corporate strategic financial compass!
Unquantified strategy is nothing more than wishful thinking!
And properly researched, properly built, effective financial models are the best tools for quantifying strategy.
If you would like to know more or explore the advantages of financial models for your company or business – of avoiding being a successful failure – I would be delighted to have the conversation.
Colin Human CA(SA)
CEO
Goalfix Financial Modellers.
