The Apollos Solution dictates that success starts now, with what you have now, the way you are now. Last time, we left off with a warning about the relentless pursuit of goals.
The Relentless Pursuit of Goals
Let me caution you if your idea of success entails accumulating a great deal of money. The next logical question is, what are you going to do with that money when you get it? Maybe it’s not stuff that you’re after, but the peace of mind that a fat bank account brings. Whatever it is, make sure you understand you.
Further, this is the no judgement zone. If you want to get a bundle of cash so you can buy a big house, fancy cars and have an extravagant lifestyle so you can impress your friends, admit that and get busy.
But I can’t help myself but to share an additional piece of advice. The Bible says Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. He was rich beyond measure, respected and famous. People came from everywhere to hear him speak. He was the powerful head of the Nation of Israel. And he had women, 700 wives and 300 concubines.
Some might say that Solomon had it all. At the end of his life, Solomon took stock of his success and had this report to make: “All is vanity.” Solomon is telling us all he achieved was a waste of time:
Ecclesiastes2:4-11 ESV
4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines,[j] the delight of the sons of man.
9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
The idea that Solomon was the wisest person that ever lived does more to illustrate the limits of human wisdom. Solomon pursued an idea of success that was ultimately unsatisfying. Don’t do that!
Is Your Idea of Success Really Just a Fantasy?
Do you think you know what you want? Put it to the test. For example, some folks would like to move. It’s too cold or too hot where they live, too congested, or too dangerous. They’d rather be close to the beach or up in the mountains. They want to be out in the country or back in the city.
If this is your dream, the Apollo Solution demands that you immediately give notice to your landlord or put a for sale sign in the yard. Get your suitcase out, it’s moving day.
If your response is, “but Dave, my whole life is here! I can’t move now. I can’t leave my (adult) kids, the grandkids, my friends, my job….”
Friend, your success dream is just a fantasy.
The same concept applies to your job. Feeling stuck? Frustrated about the path your career has taken? Then do something about that immediately. Enroll in school. Gain new skills. Polish your resume and start working your network for a new gig.
What Do You Really Want?
Only you can decide what you want, what is worth sacrificing for. I’ll bet everyone reading this can define a life that’s ideal for them. And yet knowing that, many that read this will be working at a job they hate, living in a home they don’t love and can’t afford and trying to pay back debt on stuff they really didn’t want. That’s why you need to get what you want and love what you have.
Get What You Want, Love What you Have
This could quite possibly be the dumbest section in this entire blog! Of course if you get what you want, you’ll love what you have. What could be simpler?
Except the idea is presented exactly backwards. To get what you want, you have to love what you have first. This is the Ambition Paradox.
The Ambition Paradox
There is nothing wrong with wanting more or desiring to do better. This is what keeps us waking up and working hard. But if you cannot find at least some contentment in your present circumstances, then chances are, when you get new and improved stuff or circumstances, you won’t be content with that either.
The Bible talks about this. Paul said in Philippians 4:11-12 ESV:
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
Paul is saying that he has experienced both poverty and riches and in either, he has learned to be content. This is the ace card of the Ambition Paradox.
Being content is not our natural state. It is learned behavior that must be taught. And there are many agents that work hard at placing contentment out of reach. Come back next time to learn about the Six Warhorses of Discontent. In the meantime, what you’re reading are excepts from my next book coming out in August. Click the red button below to get on the email list for when How to go to the Super Bowl for Free and Other Lessons from a Lifetime in Business is available.