The story is told of a young man who approached Socrates as he sat by a lake. The young man told Socrates he would do anything to gain the wisdom Socrates possessed.
After a moment, Socrates stood up and motioned for the young man to follow him. He walked into the lake until he was waist deep in water. Then Socrates asked the young man what he really wanted. When the young man insisted that he wanted wisdom, Socrates pushed the young man’s head under the water. The man struggled and finally surfaced wondering what the philosopher was up to. Again, Socrates asked him what he wanted. The man responded, “Wisdom.” Again Socrates shoved his head under water. The man struggled longer before finally coming up for air. For the third time, Socrates asked the man what he really wanted. When he pushed his head under water this time, Socrates held it there for almost an entire minute. The man finally fought his way up, gasping for air.
Socrates asked him in that moment: “What is it you want?” This time the man was honest. He said, “I want air!” Socrates smiled and responded, “When you want wisdom as much as you wanted that breath of air, you won’t need me, and you shall get it.”
So it is with knowledge or any other good achievement or goal you want to obtain. When you hunger and thirst for it as much as you want air, you will get it.
Do you remember when you were swimming as a young person and maybe you dove a little to deep into the water and you were struggling to get to the surface and you were pushing hard and hoping you would get to the surface for that breath of air so much needed and you pushed and pushed and finally broke to the surface and gulped in that air with much relief. That is the push and the desire you need to reach your goal, your achievement.
Sometimes you need to focus on a desire or idea and hold it in your mind until you can choose the thing you desire–and that becomes your vision or goal. With a clear goal in mind, you can choose to act in ways that create the result you are after. Once you latch onto an inspiring and captivating vision or goal, it can provide you with the fire to pursue your dreams.
I challenge you to hunger and thirst for your dreams and what you want to achieve…..and you will get it.
The best dealership, the best salesman, the best accountant, the best service writer, the best technician, the best parts salesperson, the best receptionist, the best father, the best mother, the best friend …..the best….You.
Have a great day and make BIG things happen.
I love you all,
sysr
My store was acquired by the YAG last November. Since then our sales have increased, profitability has gone up, CSI has improved and it is overall a better place to work. This month is no exception. In fact, with the additional push for 73 new Toyota sales we have really been moving along. In conversation with friends outside of work I am regularly asked, “Why do you think things are that much better now?” My answer is the same every time. The focus is now there, where before it wasn’t. As a dealership we have been able to make these improvements because, from the top, there is a clear goal to achieve. Processes and strategies have changed to align us with that goal and we have been able to consistently move forward and upward. It’s exciting to be part of this movement.
thanks for sharing. So good to hear.
Spencer, thank you for your constant support and encouragement to be our own “BEST”. We feel it and it drives us……You’re a great and thoughtful leader.
“Dreams don’t work unless you do”
I’m hungry!!!!!!