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, but for certain thing it is also the the most difficult to change. 

It reminds me about a couple of friends I had at school, one was naturally talented at many subjects and breezed through 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, and has always seemed to quit when falling at a hurdle. The other has done extremely well - they've climbed the corporate ladder, and achieved far more personally and professionally in their life. What makes it fun is that the naturally talented but cocky member of the two always looked down on his more motivated mate. But 20 years on, the proof is in the pudding: effort beats ability every time.

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