All leaders have on common denominator: They spend time preparing themselves for the future. On the other hand, most people try to avoid the pain of preparation. They only want it if it’s convenient.

They go around dabbling with things without any personal commitment. They are looking for a quick fix and something for nothing. Whether it is in our jobs, businesses, or our personal lives, being a leader is a relentless pursuit of excellence—mastering our chosen field.

No Excuses…It’s Up To You!

In 1983, I left Haiti with a theater company to perform in Montreal, Canada. After a few appearances, I escaped. Because immigration in Canada had no pity on immigrants, I was facing the threat of going back to Haiti. And that wasn’t an option for me. I paid a truck driver to smuggle me into this country. 

I remember how I had to wedge myself underneath the tractor-trailer between the rear tires in a pushup position. I was covered with dust, smoke and ashes. I had cramps in my legs, and I was shaking.  I wanted to give up. But when I remembered my family and my friends back in Haiti who were counting on me for help, I had to hold on.

I heard many stories about immigrants who died during the same journey to America. The trip was usually in the middle of the night. The drivers would take off in pairs. The first one would go with just the cargo, and the other with the cargo plus one or two immigrants.