Recently I have been re-reading a classic book on leadership which is entitled Lead on: Leadership That Endures in a Changing World by John Haggai.
One of the outstanding testimonies found in this book is that of Cecil Day of the USA motel chain Day’s Inn.
A little less than 5 years after the founding of these motels a gasoline scarcity hit the country which stopped many tourists from traveling.
Of course this greatly affected the income and cash flow of the motels. The company had just begun contructing a lot of new buildings when this crisis hit and gasoline prices were rising.
As in all financial crisis, the banks were affected and there were no funds to meet the loans promised to Day’s company. These loans were needed to complete the construction work.
This did not stop Cecil Day. He never lost his vision. His response to this challenge showed an incredible determination.
Read this carefully!
He visited three banks a day, 5 days a week for TWENTY ONE MONTHS.
Now that is determination!
Not only did he keep his vision, but was continually refining it to perfection. When he died in 1998 the business remained intact and his vision had been completed.
Here are some questions I ask myself when I read this testimony:
- How strong is my vision? — Really?
- How determined am I to reach my dream?
- What lengths am I prepared to go to fulfill my dream?
How would you answer these questions?
In what way has Cecil Day’s testimony challenged you?
I am resolved to keep going no matter. The only way to lose is to give up. So be determined and you will WIN.