Living a good, fulfilling life is not all about achievement, but it certainly plays a part. For me there is nothing like setting myself a goal and working towards achieving it over a long period of time. Through the observation of myself and others around me, I've come up with a formula for achievement:

<blockquote>Ability x Effort x Focus = Success</blockquote>

To be truly outstanding at something, you need all three. Ability is the most interesting component because it is both the least important, and the most difficult to change. 

This reminds me of a couple of friends I made at school; one was naturally talented at many subjects and breezed through his exams. The other always struggled academically, but was (and is) one of the most tenacious, motivated people I've ever met. 

The former took his natural abilities for granted. Since finishing school he has held down a number of jobs, but not really done that well. And he has always seemed to quit when falling at a hurdle presented by life. The other friend has done extremely well - he's climbed the corporate ladder, and achieved far more personally and professionally in their life. What makes it funny is that the naturally talented (but cocky) friend has always looked down our motivated mate. But 20 years on, the proof is in the pudding: effort beats natural ability every time.

But of course effort <em>and</em> ability are a more powerful combination.

This relates well to Jim Collin's "Hedgehog Principle", which suggests that success in work and business is found at the nexus of those things that you are naturally passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what can achieve your financial goals.

<br /><br /><a href="http://smartestplace.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20140329-111625.jpg"><img src="http://smartestplace.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20140329-111625.jpg" alt="20140329-111625.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>