called Moving On Up:
When you try to analyse your life, you invariably go back to
the beginning. What part of your upbringing still exists in
you and what were those pieces of advice which made the
difference?
I can think of many things that my parents instilled in me
which have lasted for ever. One of the great disciplines my
father instilled in me was timekeeping.
This simple discipline of my dad’s regarding timekeeping has
stayed with me all my life. I was never late for work in six
years as a toolmaker and I have tried to instill this in my
own sons as basically you are to a degree what your parents
wanted you to be.
People keep asking me what has made me successful. It’s hard
work. Yes, plain old hard work. The ability to work hard all
your life is firstly not easy and secondly an inspiration to
those who work under or with you.
No one should write off naturally talented people. But they
also need the application of hard work to be successful
whereas hardworking people can survive without natural
talent.
When you witness a great piece of skill by a sports star
like David Beckham, you must realise it is not an accident.
It is pure hard work on the practice field, perfecting his
free kicks.