Three Questions

We all face disappointments and setbacks. Everyone has times in their life when they ask themselves such questions as “is it all worthwhile,” “am I really on the right path” and “ why is it so hard?”

These are not ordinary moments…these are life-defining moments. So when you find yourself at one of these crossroads ask yourself these three questions:

1. Do I love what I do? An old cliche goes, “If you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life” No one loves everything about what they do. However, you must love the core cause and the mission behind what you do.

2. Do I have the talents to succeed at it? This is a good question because you may love what you’re doing but have no chance at ever being successful at it. If you don’t believe me just watch American Idol. You must be brutally honest with yourself when you ask this question. You must also solicit the opinions of people you trust who will be brutally honest with you.

3. Does what I’m doing have potential? You may love what you do and have the talent to do it, but there’s no potential in it. An example is Will Smith trying to sell high-powered X-ray machines in The Pursuit of Happyness. What you’re doing must have opportunity and potential.

If you answered “NO” to any of these questions you need to do as we say in Texas: ”Dismount a Dead Horse.” Change directions as quickly as possible. Find something you love to do that has potential and that brings your talents to light.

If you answered “YES” to all three questions, chances are you’re just in a lull. This is the time when you must re-group, re-focus and re-fire. You may need to analyze the situation and try a different strategy. And, you may have to get creative and think out of the box.

However, if you have the talent, passion and potential then you can move forward confidently, knowing that you will succeed because you are on the right path. Remember that life’s greatest victories are usually just inches away from life’s biggest setbacks.