The Moral Vision
Aiming Directly at the Target
~ 105 ~
AIMING DIRECTLY AT THE TARGET
The American writer, Charles Gafield, who has
made a thorough, psychology study of peak
achievement, says that “in a study of 90 leaders in
business, politics, sports and arts, many spoke of
‘false starts but never of ‘failure’. Disappointment
spawns greater resolve, growth or change.
Moreover, no matter how rough things get, super-
achievers always feel there are other avenues they
can explore. They always have another idea to test.”
Reader’s Digest, October 1986
The writer emphasizes the fact, however, that these
high achievers are neither superhuman, charismatic
nor even singularly talented. What they do have in
common is an “uncanny knack for increasing the
odds in their favour through simple techniques that
almost anyone can cultivate.” He delineates five
major areas of concern. First and foremost, one
must have a great sense of mission, and a strong
desire to turn everything that comes one’s way to
good account. Secondly, one must be result-
oriented, so that one is not just preoccupied with
