The Secret of Success

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

Socrates is a famous ancient Greek philosopher. He was born in Athens in 469 BC and was killed (by poison) because the government didn’t agree with his teaching. Socrates is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy and principles. 

This is the best story of success ever told. Socrates was a famous ancient Greek philosopher. He was born in Athens in 469 BC and was killed (by poison) because the government didn’t agree with his teaching. Socrates is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy and principles. 

One day, there was a young man that desired to be of great success. He would travel to the home of Socrates, the Greek philosopher, and teacher. This young man asked the teacher, I have traveled to seek your wisdom. Socrates replied, "How can I assistance you?” The young man responded, "I want to be of great success. I wish for you to teach me the principles and all I need to know to be successful? Certainly, replied Socrates,“Please follow me.” Socrates and the young man headed towards the river. Once on the sand, Socrates continued to walk straight out into the water. 

The young man stopped, then began to follow. Socrates was already chest deep. The philosopher responded “come out a bit further” then placed his hands on the young man's head and quickly forced it under the water. Socrates was strong and kept the young man down until he was almost blue, the young man fought violently to the surface. The young man began to gasp for air. The teacher released the boy’s head, turned and walked away. The young man was appalled at what had just happened. He had traveled a great distance to meet the scholar he admired, respected and believed to have the answers he was seeking. 

Time, as we know heals wounds but after a week the young man thought maybe he did something wrong. So, the young man went to visit the scholar once again. The young man beseeched Socrates, please teach me all I need to be a great success. Socrates smiled and once again said follow me and again they walked toward the river. Just like before. Socrates walked in the water and when he was chest high. Socrates once again grabbed the young man by his head and forced him underwater. This time the young man was ready. Before going under, he took a big gulp of air. The young man held his breath but couldn’t hold it as long. He once gains fought he was up to the surface when he wiped the water from his eyes. He saw Socrates on the shore and walking away. The young man was livid. Twice this young man had approached Socrates for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. And twice Socrates had taken him to the waters for humiliation. 

Socrates had the wisdom, knowledge and understanding the young man was looking to achieve. So, the young man built the courage and decided on one final time to seek out the scholar. When he arriving at the home of Socrates, he knocked. When Socrates had come to the door. The young man said, "DO YOU REMEMBER ME?" Socrates with a big smile and said, "I do remember you.” Socrates said; "You're the young man who wants to be of great success." The young man said yes and asked Socrates, "Please teach me the knowledge and wisdom of how to be a success?" Socrates nodded and said, "Absolutely."  Then he started walking toward the waters with the young man.

This time the young man was well prepared, Socrates grabbed his head and the student took a deep breath. Again the boy fought vigorously toward the surface before he could turn blue. The young man was absolutely furious that he ran after Socrates then shouted; “SOCRATES, I CAME TO YOU FOR WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. AND ALL YOU DID WAS TRY TO KILL ME.” Socrates turned around, faced the young man from a distance and said: “I have tried three times to teach you the secret of success.” Socrates continued… the secret is simple, “When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, then you will be a great success."

Coach Frank Sagasta 


www.coachingbeyond.org

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