How May a Young Man Gain Success?

HOW MAY A YOUNG MAN GAIN SUCCESS? BY GEO. D. kiRBY, There are so many elements of success that it will be possible in this article to touch upon only a few which the writer considers of major importance, such as ambition, confidence, honor, persist- ence, wisdom, etc. If a young man lacks a purpose in life, he should decide upon having one and then stick to it, and so win out. "Be like the post- age stamp, whose success depends upon its ability to stick to one The man who undertakes one thing, until the goal is attained!" thing today, another tomorrow, and the next day something else, is guilty of a serious mistake, for he wastes time and energy, neither of which can possibly be regained. We live only in the present, the past — gone, and the future, ah, who can say what is it holds for us?By the provisions of the All wise Power, we are prevented from acquiring that knowledge, so it is necessary that we should concentrate our energies on the things of the present, trust- ing the future in the hands of him who knoweth what is best for us. The ambitious young man will find the greatest happiness in doing that for which he originally possessed an instinct. A great many so-called "self-made" men have been very successful. They were frequently men who had no one to direct them in their early years, and the result was they naturally drifted into the line for which they were by nature most fitted. While I don't wish to de- cry the benefits which may come to a boy as the result of the influence and experience of his parents, many serious mistakes have been made, where the domestic influences were antagonistic to the successful carrying out of the work for which the boy was fitted, and had much to do with what was called later, his "non-suc- cess." For instance, it is the ambition of so many devoted parents to see their boys in positions where they will never come in contact with dirt or grease, that they insist in making a doctor or a preach-

804 IMPROVEMENT ERA. er out of a boy, who would be happy and successful as a farmer or a machinist, were he permitted to follow his own inclinations. It is one thing to obtain a position; it is another to keep it. Getting a position requires tact, forcefulness, and clearness of conversation; keeping it, is an art. When one starts to look for a position he must be possessed of certain qualities which are prone to be overlooked. I refer to cleanliness, tidiness and perspicuity. So much depends upon the first impression. Soiled hands, dirty nails, necttie twisted, and confused speech, are some of the faults that tend to destroy the chances. Dress neatly and plainly, for an employer considers a man rather foolish who apparels himself in extravagant clothes of the loud" variety. Having secured your ' position, how shall you keep it? First, and always, by being abso- lutely and strictly honest, for honor and character are man's greatest promoters. They stimulate energy and promote confi- dence, both of which have great power in this struggle for suc- cess. When an employer discovers that he has an energetic man, in whom he can place absolute confidence, that man's future is a very promising one. A name that stands for character, that is synonymous with integrity, is the best advertisement on earth. The world is quick nowadays to find out anything said or done that is remarkable, or superior to the way it had formerly been done. There is no part of the business world so dark, but what the rays of a superior idea may penetrate, and the man who advances the idea will surely receive the reward he merits. Don't go about whining "there is no chance for me." Make the chance; merit does not wait for it. The man who receives lasting recognition above his fellows, receives it because he has merited it. Other means may succeed for awhile, may perhaps fool the whole world for a brief space, but merit only will introduce a man to success, and success and merit are always staunch friends. Don't be afraid of trying to do more than is expected of you. This has been the cause of many a failure. The giving up of an hour's pleasure occasionally in order to complete a difficult task, does not escape an employer's notice, and lifts you up one more round on the ladder towards success. Some may think that con- stant work without any pleasure at all will make a man a drudge; so it would, if the man hadn't a love for his work, but with love it becomes a pleasure. Constant effort is the secret of success

HOW MAY A YOUNG MAN GAIN SUCCESS? 805 every time. The German inscription on a key, "If I rest, I old rust," is as true of men as it is of the iron key. We cannot hope to get something for nothing, any more than we can expect to continue to make drafts upon the banks of our country, without depositing money. If we examine into the great lives, we will find that every laurel in their crowns was placed there by down- right, honest, hard work. Another very desirable qualification is that of common sense or judgment, and is frequently of more use to a man than any- thing else. Fra Elbertus has said, "The world reserves its big prizes for but one thing, and that is 'initiative.' By 'initiative' we mean doing the right thing without being told. Next to doing it without being told, is to do it when we are told once." Em- ployers want men who will do what they are told, in the way they are told. The employer has his capital and reputation at stake, and he wants men who will obey orders, men who will carry out instructions to the very letter. The failure or success of the business is a matter that concerns the employer more than it does the employee. If you have common sense, you are doing your em- ployer's will in his way. If you have common sense you will suc- ceed, because the mistakes which are made, if any, will not be yours. Another essential is that of confidence. Some drive success ' away by their doubts their fears their lack of courage , , Thought, . ' the master power," has formed within them habits which repel success conditions. They hold the failure thought, the doubt thought, the poverty thought, instead of clinging to the thought of abundance and success, until self-confidence is destroyed by the enemies of achievement . There is no strong purpose in their minds, and this condition must be overcome before success will crown their efforts. "Last, but by no means least," to quote from James J. Hill, president of the Great Northern railroad, "Remember that out of business hours, the home deserves the most of your attention. The employer feels an immediate confidence in a man or woman whose home is free from extravagance, enmity, contempt, wrath, strife, envy and opposition. Keep happiness in your home, and you will create strength and efficiency for your work." Sugar City, Idaho.