Are you priming the pump for your success?

Prime the Pump for Success

Several years ago, two friends of mine, two brothers, Johnny and Luis Ybarra were looking for land development opportunities in the foothills of Tucson, Arizona. One of the properties they previewed was an old abandoned ranch house with an old water pump in the yard. Obviously desert properties with a water source are more valuable than those without water so Luis grabbed the pump handle and started pumping. After a few minutes he asked Johnny to grab a bucket from the trunk and dip some water out of a nearby wash to “prime” the pump.

Important lesson: Before you can get anything out, you’ve got to put something in. Unfortunately, many people stand in front of the fireplace and say, “Fireplace, give me some heat and then I’ll put some wood in you.” But, that’s not the way it works. You must put something in before you can get anything out.

Luis kept pumping and after a few minutes said, “You know Johnny; I don’t believe there is any water in this well.” Johnny replied, “I think there is water here, but the wells are deep and that’s good because the deep wells contain the best water source.” That’s the second lesson in life. Things that have real value generally require lots of effort to acquire. This is true rather you are seeking a lifelong relationship or striving to succeed in your chosen profession.

Now it was a super-hot day but Luis continued to pump. Then he did what many people are guilty of doing. He couldn’t see any water coming so he threw up his hands and said, “There just isn’t any water in this well.” It does not matter who you are or what you do, the temptation to quit when the going gets tough is always there. This is especially true if you cannot immediately see results from your efforts. You will even be encouraged to quit by many sideline speculators who can’t make the success squad themselves and don’t want you to make it either.

As Luis started to quit, Johnny quickly said, “Luis, don’t quit! If you do the water goes all the way back down and you will have to start pumping all over again.” That’s the way it is in life. Much of our good work is lost because we don’t do just a little more. You can’t simply look at the outside of the pump and determine how much more pumping it will take to get the water the rest of the way to the top. Maybe it’s just a few more seconds or one more honest effort. Many times just a little more studying brings forth the answer; a little more effort brings forth the reward.

Luis kept at it and with a little harder, enthusiastic pumping the water burst forth. Then, just as it does in life, a steady consistent effort brought more water than Johnny and Luis could possibly use. Once life opens its flood gates, you will discover that the rewards come forth in such quantity that your imagination will be staggered.  

Thought for today: If you want to get the most out of your life you've got to be sure you are putting everything into your life!

Have an incredible Monday.

BF