Ladder to Success- A Poem

                   



                    I Did  (Top Rung!)
I Will
I Think I Will
I Can
I Think I Can
I'll Try
I Think I'll Try
I Don't Think I Know If I Can
I Don't Know If I Can
I Don't Think I Can
I Can't
                        I Didn't  (Bottom Rung)

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I didn’t or can’t or don’t think I can
are the thoughts of an idle mind -
don’t linger too long on the lower rungs
or you’ll be left behind

The climb may be long and difficult
filled with hardship, adversity, pain -
each move you make, and step you take,
can at times seem wasted, in vain

Climbing the Ladder to Success
can leave you bruised and with scars -
life can be harsh, but stay steadfast and strong,
and always reach for the stars

Avoid temptations that weaken the spirit,
refrain from gossip and idle chatter;
be patient, composed, keep your feet firmly planted,
and concentrate on the things that really do matter

Do your best and strive for perfection,
put aside foolish thoughts and schemes;
treat others with respect and dignity,
and never lose sight of your dreams

Be principled, upright, and persevere,
take adversity in your stride,
be knowledgeable in your field, rise above the rest,
with dignity and pride

Be decent and kind, refrain from insults,
let positive energy like a river flow;
be humble, but strong, remember the Proverb,
in life we often reap what we sow

Be disciplined, self-assured, admit your mistakes,
make all your efforts and time well spent;
accept success with humility and grace,
face failure with courage and strength

Walk on the path of virtue and truth,
avoid avarice, greed, and know evil's stings;
in life there is nothing more important
than placing your family above all things

Some say opportunity knocks but once,
so don’t hesitate to open the door;
you might miss that chance to find success,
and new vistas yet to explore

Beware of enemies, competitors, and skeptics,
confront antagonisms and brazen talk;
speak firmly with confidence, send a defiant message,
though they may accuse you, threaten, and balk

Remember you control the path of your life,
and by your decisions you are bound;
you might falter on the ladder to success,
but don’t be disheartened, be driven, the answers are waiting to be found

And know as you ascend the ladder,
that the climb to success never ends;
more than a destination, it’s a journey,
with family, colleagues, and friends

Always remember as you climb the ladder,
look back and make room in your busy mind,
so that you never forget from where you came
and those you’ve left behind

And should you reach the top of the Ladder,
be mindful no matter what you achieve
that there’s more to success then fortune and power,
and that it’s better to give than receive

You may be filled with doubt and uncertainty at times,
and think what if I fail, God forbid,
but don’t be the quitter who in the end says 'I didn’t' -
be the winner who can say 'I did!'