Monday, September 3, 2007

MESSAGE #154 - MELISSA SAPIO’S SECRET

Over this weekend on Success Hotline (973-743-4690), I’ve had a mini-seminar on college success.

On Saturday’s message, I interviewed Melissa Sapio. Melissa is the only student I’ve ever known who had a perfect 4.0 grade point average while an undergraduate. She took 44 courses and earned 44 As. Not even one A minus!

I asked Melissa what’s the secret to getting great grades in college.

Here’s Melissa’s response:

“There is not secret gift.

There is no special talent.

There is just a willingness to work hard.”

There are a lot of people who go to work – but, there are very few workers.

There are a lot o people who go to school – but, there are very few students.

If you’re like Melissa and have this “willingness to work hard” . . . you will reach any goal you set. Why???

Because there is so little competition.

Here are some other thoughts on having a “willingness to work hard” . . .

* * * * * * *

“Blame nobody, expect nothing, do something.” – Bill Parcells, pro football coach (temporarily retired)

* * * * * * *

“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.” – Gandhi

* * * * * * *

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are: first – hard work; second – stick-to-itiveness; third -- common sense.” Thomas Edison

* * * * * * *

“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious!” -- Vince Lombardi, football coach

* * * * * * *

“A free lunch is only found in mouse traps.” – John Capuzzi, author

* * * * * * *

“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vince Lombardi

* * * * * * *

There’s no thrill in easy sailing,

When the sky is clear and blue.

There’s no joy in merely doing

Things which anyone can do.

But there is some fulfillment

That is mighty sweet to take.

When you reach a destination

You thought you couldn’t make.

-- Author unknown

Here’s to “a willingness to work hard” . . .

Thanks, Melissa,

Rob Gilbert