Perseverance and Hard Work Trumps IQ - It Always Has

I think we all know, and there is no doubt that an individual of extreme intelligence and high IQ definitely has an advantage in our society for upward mobility. They say that were all created equal, but we also know that isn't exactly true, as some are created "more equally" than others. The reality is that we are all equal under the law and we all agree on that, but each of us is endowed with a genetic component. It is up to us to use what we have to the best of our ability.

Now then, I'm not going to whitewash this with political correctness, I don't think that would be fair to my reader, nor do I believe it to be the truth. It is self evident that there are members of our society who are intellectually endowed with incredible IQs and intelligence. However, this does not guarantee success and I can tell you this;

Perseverance,
Hard Work,
Commitment,
Dedication,

trump IQ. Further a competitive spirit, a sense of boldness, a solid strength of character, and a "will" to never give up will put you in the winner's circle far more often than someone who is of greater intelligence. How do I know this? Well, let's just say I have spent some time in that circle; the winner's circle that is, and I didn't get there because of my intelligence.

That is not to say that I don't come from an intelligent family, or I wasn't lucky to possess at least some of those illusive "smart genes" - rather, it's that each time I had a success, or one a personal victory, I can't say I could honestly attribute it to intelligence. Indeed, it was always because I worked hard, and refused to quit. Even when things didn't go my way, and yes it's true "crap happens" - and it happens to everyone, so you are just going to have to deal with it, - I got up after being beaten down, and pressed on.

That makes all the difference.

Over the years, before retirement I had franchised my company. And I can tell you this, in the years of observing the franchisees who exceeded my expectations, and also those unfortunately that failed, it was always be strong willed, hard-working, and dedicated individuals that made it through the rain, through the hard times, and just kept on going that ultimately succeeded. Whereas, many of the intelligent folks that I expected to succeed without too much trouble sometimes failed because they didn't dig-in, and persevere.

In all my observations, and the over 100 biographies that I have read of exceptional human beings that have conquered their industry, or made a name for themselves in history, not a single one of them would disagree with what I'm saying to you here today. It is those that refuse to quit, refuse to give up, and will never surrender no matter what, so help them God.

Those are the individuals who will become successful - and nothing can stop them.

Now then, I want you to be one of those people, I know you can do it, and I want you to succeed. If you feel you are lacking of intelligence, or even if you have an abundance of intelligence simply because you were lucky by birth - perseverance and hard work is the key, for that I can guarantee.