Genius is 1% talent and 99% effort. 

~ Einstein

Are you looking for the easy way out? Do you cut corners to get things done? Do you want to bypass the middle to get to the end? Many look for shortcuts in life, and although a shortcut may help in a one-off situation, it will ultimately stymie long-term success.

If you take the time, it takes less; renowned horseman Tom Dorrance’s core concept speaks to me. My lifelong equestrian experience has confirmed that training always comes before competition, and the results are finishes worthy of the effort.

As with the many lessons I learned through horses, I can apply this to life.

You cannot bypass the process. But unfortunately, evidence of those who try is everywhere. In the horse world, I see parents wanting their children in the show ring instead of learning the fundamental riding skills first, which can create a false sense of ability in the child. I see parents buying a sporty car before their teen has the skills to drive it.

Do your homework; it’s not always fun, but often it is. You may find the journey is worth the effort.

Things to remember

The magic pill doesn’t work.

Successful people put enormous time, practice, and effort into their achievements, even if those watching don’t see it.

Passion is the fuel for success. Find your passion, and the work is incidental.

It’s okay to fail; it fuels your progress.

Don’t settle for the status quo. No one strives for commonness. It is a regret we don’t want to have when we look back on life.

It’s okay to ask questions and to ask for help when we get stuck. However, leaving it to fate may not produce the outcomes we aim to reach.

Let go of others’ expectations. Instead, create a clear picture of the life you want, then begin living it.

Stop procrastinating; start doing.

Speak up. Find your voice of action, not one of the complaints.

Cheating doesn’t count. What’s the point of success if you can’t look yourself in the mirror? It is meaningless if you don’t value it.

Invest in you. Pursue your dreams enthusiastically; holding back won’t get you the results you want.

You have to go slow to go fast. Building a foundation first leads to lasting achievement.

Cutting corners will cost you more time on the do-over.

Life is a series of choices that create our lives. A fulfilling life comes not from mediocrity, but from pushing through the barriers of the commonplace, finding the stamina to forge forward when the wind is in our faces, and carrying our heads high when those around us tell us it is impossible.

A shortcut is simply a detour taking us away from possible greatness. Take the time it takes, and you will look back on your life with memories of the strife that got you where you are now, a smile knowing you had what it took, and the acknowledgment that you never circumvented what was needed by looking for the easy way out.

Action breeds more clarity than thought, so you can’t think your way into a new life, you have to act your way into one.

~ unknown