Working with finances, we get to see people in many different states of the business life cycle. Some are just starting with wide-eyed optimism, some are trying to gain traction, some are ready to go to the next level and some are thriving and enjoying the success they envisioned in the beginning.

Just as we see people on different spots along that path, we see many different paths. Our clients are engaged in various enterprises; some where we have previous experience, and some that are new ideas we never before contemplated. It is part of the wonder of what we do, having good clients open us up to parts of the world of which we otherwise may have remained unaware.

Because of this varied nature, I get excited when I come across some words that I think carry wisdom for all of our clients. Amazingly, the latest batch of ideas I came across also arrived from a space I had previously been unaware – late 19^th century Indian Hindu monk/philosopher Swami Vivekananda. I came across the ideas first from a throwaway comment in a book that did not even properly attribute the concept to Vivekananda.  It stuck with me, though, sent me looking, and then I found even more wisdom.

So here are some words from that unexpected place that I hope say something to you:

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.

When we see those business clients who are thriving, they usually are doing something unique. They had a vision of what they could do that others were not doing. They stuck to that idea and didn’t give up on it because they believed in its worth.

Are great things ever done smoothly? Time, patience and indomitable will must show. … Great work requires great and persistent effort for a long time. Character has to be established through a thousand stumbles.

Even when you put yourself upon that path, though, there will be obstacles. There is no idea that immediately appeals to everyone so that you can then just sit back and reap the riches.

(OK, maybe Pokemon Go.)

That stubborn single-mindedness is most difficult to keep up when things are not going your way. Perseverance, however, will get you to the goal and the trip will appear smoother when you look back upon it

Even the greatest fool can accomplish a task if it were after his or her heart. But the intelligent ones are those who can convert every work into one that suits their taste.

Things can turn even more positive if those stumbling blocks are not seen as impediments, but possibilities. Solving a problem on your path gives you power. It means you will not have to fight that battle again.

And if you overcame that obstacle, you then have the power to lead others to defeat similar difficulties. Successfully addressing problems means you became better at what you do.

Finally …

Arise! Awake! And stop not until the goal is reached.