Consider This

Robert Stevenson’s Thoughts on the Pursuit of Excellence


Success Reminders

May 7, 2023

by Robert Stevenson

In 1975 the fastest supercomputer cost $5 million. Today a $400 iPhone would be able to perform even faster. Worldwide, there are approximately 6.84 billion smartphones. To put that into perspective, that figure accounts for around 85% of the 8 billion global population.

Because of the onslaught of rapidly changing technology, to succeed in today’s business environment, companies/people will need to adapt, adjust, and re-educate themselves. Vision, tenacity, and execution will only lead to success if you can deal with the technological changes being thrown at you.

But, dealing with technology is only one aspect of being successful. The first thing to understand about success is … it isn’t easy. The definition of easy is … requiring no great labor or effort, uncomplicated, unchallenging, painless, simple, without difficulty. It is EASY to settle for average. It is EASY to rationalize failures and disappointments. It is EASY to blame others. It’s EASY to be closed-minded. It’s EASY to stay within your comfort zone. It’s EASY to give up. It is also EASY to be lazy, procrastinate, be distracted and impatient.

At the beginning of any career or new endeavor, success and easy have nothing in common. It is only through time, effort, practice and persistence will things start to become easier to do. So, experience and easy have a lot in common. The practice, time, effort, and preparation required to become a world-renowned concert pianist is approximately seventeen years; playing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata becomes easy after seventeen years of practice.

Even though technology is changing every moment, the Rules for Success remain the same. From time to time I think it is a good exercise to remind ourselves of “some” of those Rules … especially with all the new things we have to encounter or deal with on a daily basis. Successful people understand:

Did you notice I didn’t mention technology once in that list. Remember, technology is a tool not a rule. Tools support you, rules guide you.



"Your only true security in life
is your ability to perform."

About the Author

Robert Stevenson is an expert at building a high-performance business culture, improving efficiency, and accelerating growth. He is one of the most widely sought-after speakers in the world today, as well as a best-selling author. He has owned five companies, sold internationally in over 20 countries. Robert has spoken to over 2,500 companies throughout the world and his research in the area of corporate and entrepreneurial success is extensive. Over 2 million people have benefitted from his powerful, practical, and thought-provoking programs. He is a true master at blending facts, inspiration, conviction, and humor into all his programs.

Companies like FedEx, Prudential, Lockheed Martin, Chevron, American Express, and Berkshire Hathaway continue to rely on him for a fresh, unique perspective on businesses’ most crucial issues. To learn more about Robert and what he can do for your team visit his website at www.RobertStevenson.org.

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