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Every summer, around this time, ants invade my house. It seems to happen to everybody in the neighborhood.
The ants come searching for water, but of course, if they find anything remotely sweet they are all over it.
How I Deal With This Problem
I don’t like to kill things… so I tolerate the ants. I don’t encourage them however, so I seal-up or throw out anything they might get in to.
The ants usually move on in a few days or a week or two at most. Since I live alone, its just me tolerating them, and I am patient with the process.
Observing and Learning From Nature
I like observing the ants because they are so very determined to get what they want. They throw their lives away drowning in my sink… just to find some speck of greasy food or drop of maple syrup somewhere.
Today the infestation seems to be clearing up. They might be back once more this summer… we’ll see.
The Insect Code
Observing the ants make me think about the role determination plays in succeeding as an entrepreneur. Insects have a particular genetic code that has them hardwired for success at any cost. Ants consistently do what achieving their goal requires… and while they aren’t particularly inventive in their approach, they make up for it with dogged determination.
What Virtue?
Determination is not classically categorized as a Virtue, but for a business owner I feel it is essential. Running any business always involves meeting challenges that push us to our limits and force us to grow.
In my experience, determination to succeed is an essential quality.
After all… what is financial freedom worth too you, really?
Is it just something you’ll pursue until you meet some challenges you would rather not deal with?
Is it just a “maybe” for you? (“Maybe I’ll get rich with this business…”)
Here’s the thing, friend: Its only the people who NEVER QUIT who hit the big time and get what
they came for.
Just like those determined little ants.
The post author, Loren Woirhaye writes sales copy and creates marketing systems for business clients who want to slash customer acquisition costs and position their businesses For 20%-30% sales growth in the next 12-18 months. He writes regularly about marketing and life at his Entrepreneur Blog.
