11. Success depends on self-discipline and perseverance.

There is a common theory that if you want to make a million dollars there are three ways to accomplish it: you can be very intelligent, inherit the family business, or start with two million and quit after you lose the first million. 

As a former teacher, I had some insight into what qualities students possessed that led to successful careers. I was surprised that in so many cases, intelligence was no guarantee of success. I have witnessed more average students succeed in life than many of the "brains." So often the tortoise outperforms the hare with steady, unrelenting plodding and a never-quit attitude.

One of my favourite stories to illustrate the point involves a talented and acclaimed classical pianist. After a very impressive session at an elegant party, one guest came over to the pianist and exclaimed, " I would give anything to be able to play the piano like you!" The pianist stunned his complimentary fan telling her "No you wouldn't, that is not true. You had exactly the same opportunity to play as I do except you were not prepared to put in the thousands of hours of practice every day for fifteen years that I did. If you had, you could have been an accomplished pianist as well!"

The pianist was simply explaining that his success was attributed largely to his self-discipline and perseverance. I also believe that these are the two most important skills that we should be trying to instil in our students in schools. Genetics, intelligence, inherent talent, parental support and luck are no substitute for self-discipline and perseverance. If you cannot discipline yourself but must rely on others and quit whenever the going gets rough, your chances of success will be limited.

Our schools need to spend more time preparing students to stick to difficult tasks for the self-discipline required, instead of accepting excuses for poor or inadequate performance or effort. Every missed opportunity only reduces the chances to succeed in the future.