Much has been written about the power of desire and drive.

With sufficient desire and drive, it’s been suggested, you can accomplish anything. While both are important elements of any success journey, they will only take you so far… and for so long.

At some point, when progress bogs down or the journey takes an unexpected detour, your drive will diminish and your desire will fade. At those times, it will take more to keep you going.

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It will take discipline and dedication.

The discipline to keep going in the face of adversity is what separates the exceptional performers from the rest of the pack. When the road gets rocky and takes some unexpected twists and turns, you can sit by the side of the road, make excuses, and watch others go by.

Or, you can push on despite the terrain. You are responsible for your own life, and it’s up to you to choose to go for more - to push on regardless of the challenge. 

Ultimately, you must decide to which endeavors you are willing to dedicate your time and energy. You must decide whether you’re willing to settle for what you think you can get, or go for what you really want, even if that requires you to stretch outside your comfort zone.

If you decide to go for more (and I hope you do), tell others what you are committed to. Let them know exactly what you’re going to accomplish and by when you’re going to do it.

The more people you tell the better. The act of sharing your vision strengthens your resolve.
Desire and drive will take you down many paths. But, it’s discipline and dedication that will enable you to complete the journey.

Joe Marr is a public speaker, sales and management consultant and trainer, and runs Sandler Training - Ann Arbor. Contact him at (734) 821-4830 or visit his Web site.