You’ve heard the expression that says “Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

It makes sense, especially when you consider that we can have all of the best intentions but sooner or later we have to get to work.

Still, I believe there’s quite a lot to be said for the idea that 99% of success is based on Faith.

Faith has been defined as “Belief without proof.”

Before we’re willing to put forth any amount of perspiration we need to be convinced, somehow, that our efforts will be rewarded, that they won’t be wasted.

This is where faith comes in, because there is no way we can know, with certainty, that anything we do will be successful, lasting, or even fruitful.

Let me give you an example.

I know a computer programmer who has lost his last two jobs, not because of incompetence, but because both of his recent high-tech employers went under.

When he joined their firms, they were going great guns, and one, I believe was even sponsoring sporting events.

The programmer took it as an article of faith that both firms would not only survive, but thrive, and his efforts would be rewarded with increasing pay and promotions.

He trusted in this vision enough to buy a condo as a newlywed.

Without faith, why would anyone leave their security blankets in the morning and venture into traffic?

Why would a mortgage lender, or any loan source for that matter, trust in our ability to repay loans?

Why would we put a deposit down on a home improvement if we didn’t believe the contractor was honest enough to buy materials with it, instead of blowing it at the tables in Las Vegas?

Faith can seem flimsy, paper thin, and incredibly speculative.

But, like the atom, it is the essential building block of human interaction and success.

You’ve heard it said that “Those who believe are strong and those who doubt are weak.”

Believe strongly in your abilities and in your visions before you do anything else. I think you’ll find it is that little bit of inspiration that makes our investment of perspiration feel meaningful, and ultimately pay off.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman
www.customersatisfaction.com