As Ira Riklis became more and more involved with skiing, he began to take lessons. Over the course of nearly two decades, he took a series of lessons, both group and private, with many different teachers. His skills grew from those of a rank beginner to those of an advanced skier. Along the way, he had a lot of fun on the slopes. But his ultimate goal—becoming an expert skier—still eluded him. It wasn’t until he met instructor Mike Bartasuis that he finally made the breakthroughs that elevated him to the level of an expert.
He would never have reached that next level had he given up on his goal. Ira Riklis believes the words of fellow businessman, Mark O. Haroldsen: “Being smart or having a particular talent is certainly helpful, but the most successful people aren’t necessarily, or even usually, the smartest or most talented. They are the ones who put in the time and mastered the skills they needed to succeed.” How about you? Do you have the kind of perseverance needed to keep looking, keep practicing until you achieve your goals?