"Every man over forty is responsible for his face," Abraham Lincoln

By: David G. Phillips

In an effort to learn how to improve myself as a father, a brother, a friend, an entrepreneur, a consultant and a business leader, I have been doing much reading lately. The most interesting thing to me is that the more I read and study, the more apparent it becomes that there are not any shortcuts, or easy answers or “something for nothing” approaches to success in business and in this business of life.

There are some solid, time-tested formulas that, when acted upon, and applied systematically, can accelerate your journey considerably. And, not surprisingly, most of us have heard them so very many times before—they seem hackneyed. A few of these proven principles are:

Vision—seeing the end in your mind—whether golfer planning the shape of your shot, or businessman envisioning the big payoff or the scientist dreaming of the big breakthrough in his research—you have to be able to see it vividly in order to make it happen.

Determination—You have to have the commitment to make it happen! Others quit, just before they were going to have a breakthrough—but the committed will not faint until the glory of success falls upon them.

Teamwork—We all need help in accomplishing major goals and objectives. We must surround ourselves with quality people and share our vision with them. We must try to learn their vision and to help them realize their goals too. In so doing, we create enormous leverage in the form of our teammates.

Love—By showing love for yourself, for those with whom you work and for those you serve as customer, clients and colleagues, you are sowing what you will reap. They will express their reciprocal love for you by trying to help you achieve your goals.

Attitude—This one choice is the very characteristic that controls our destiny! No other choice we make in life will come as close to being the single biggest determinant of your success than your choice of what your attitude is going to be!

I borrowed a little story from one of the most positive e-newsletters I receive, and for whom I placed a courtesy ad in this edition of The Fundraising Free Press. To our readers, I would say, You should really consider subscribing to Steve Goodier’s very uplifting Life Support Systems e-zine (See the ad in this newsletter). Here is that story:

Ted Engstrom in High Performance (Here's Life Publishers, 1988) tells the story of a trusted advisor of President Abraham Lincoln who recommended a candidate for Lincoln's cabinet. Lincoln declined and when asked why, he said, "I don't like the man's face."

"But the poor man is not responsible for his face," his advisor insisted. "Every man over forty is responsible for his face," Lincoln replied, and the prospect was considered no more. Lincoln, of course, was referring to the man's expression and disposition rather than his features. A face conveys the thoughts and attitudes nurtured in a mind. We are responsible for how we will ‘face’ each day.

What does your ‘face’ look like? Do you have a resilient and positive attitude? Or, are you ready to snap at the first person that provokes you? Remember, no other choice you make today will better determine your ability to succeed in business and the business of life that deciding to have a positive, constructive and uplifting attitude.

When you have your morning cup of coffee, or better still, just after you have turned off the alarm clock, say to yourself, I a going to have a great day! It is something I am determined to do, regardless of what challenges present themselves during the day. Resolve to have the attitude of gratitude and to be thankful for each and every experience and try to find the lessons contained therein. It is really that simple—not that easy—but it is that simple.

David G. Phillips is president of Custom Development Solutions, Inc. (CDS). CDS has become one of North America's best and most sought after fundraising consulting firms specializing in the strategic planning and tactical execution of capital campaigns for non-profits throughout the United States and Canada. More information on CDS can be found on the web at www.cdsfunds.com. If you have a fundraising question for David, please call 800-761-3833 or send an email to dgp@cdsfunds.com.