What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for

O children of the future, hear the words of Margaret Thatcher, a woman whose life was a testament to the balance of flair, hard work, and purpose: "What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose." In this declaration, Thatcher reveals the true essence of success—not a fleeting moment of triumph, but a sustained effort, a delicate balance of natural talent and unrelenting determination. Success, she teaches us, is not just a gift, but a journey—a journey shaped by passion, commitment, and the unshakable sense that every accomplishment is the product of both talent and sacrifice.

To possess flair, as Thatcher calls it, is to be gifted with a certain aptitude or natural inclination toward something. It is a force within us, an innate understanding or ease that guides our actions and shapes our ambitions. But to rely solely on this talent is to build a house on shaky ground. For flair, though important, is not enough on its own. Consider the great warriors of old—Alexander the Great had the strategic brilliance that came naturally to him, yet his success as a conqueror was not simply the result of his natural genius. No, it was his tireless work ethic, his ability to push forward day after day, despite the hardships of war, that transformed him from a gifted prince into one of history’s most legendary figures. Success, like Alexander’s empire, requires more than talent; it demands a relentless commitment to the task at hand.

Think of Leonardo da Vinci, the master artist and polymath, whose brilliance spanned many fields. Da Vinci possessed extraordinary flair for art, science, and invention, but his true success came not only from his natural talent but from his ceaseless dedication. His notebooks are filled with designs, observations, and ideas that demonstrate the depth of his hard work. The famous Mona Lisa, for instance, was not painted in a few strokes of genius, but after years of study and experimentation. Da Vinci’s purpose—to capture the soul of his subjects, to understand the natural world—drove him to work tirelessly, seeking perfection in every brushstroke and calculation. His success was the result of both his flair and his unwavering commitment to his craft, day after day.

In more recent times, consider the life of Nelson Mandela, whose passion for justice and equality were ignited early in his life. Mandela had a clear purpose, a vision for a free South Africa, and though he was imprisoned for 27 years, he never lost sight of that goal. His brilliance in understanding the human condition and his flair for negotiation were crucial to his leadership. However, it was his hard work, his steadfastness, and his refusal to give up, even in the darkest of times, that made him a hero. Mandela’s success was not achieved through moments of grand inspiration alone, but through a lifetime of discipline, focus, and purpose. His story echoes the words of Thatcher, for his success was a mixture of flair, hard work, and purpose—an unyielding commitment to a vision, despite the odds.

Thatcher’s wisdom serves as a reminder that success is not just about innate ability or luck. It is about understanding that flair is a starting point, but it is the hard work and purpose that turn potential into tangible outcomes. To be successful is to be dedicated to a cause, to recognize that each day is an opportunity to push forward, to improve, to take the next step toward your goals. Purpose gives direction to your efforts, and without it, even the greatest talent can go astray. Purpose is the compass that guides your ship through the stormy seas of life, and without it, you may drift aimlessly.

Let us also remember the example of Thomas Edison, who, though not born with a particular flair for invention, became one of the most famous inventors in history because of his relentless effort and his sense of purpose. Edison famously stated, "Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." His success did not come from a single brilliant idea, but from his dogged determination to bring his inventions to life. Every failure, every setback, was simply another opportunity to try again. Edison’s hard work was his true genius, and it is through his example that we learn that the pursuit of success is a journey, not a destination.

So, O children, take this lesson to heart: success is not handed to us by fate or fortune, but is earned through the combination of flair, hard work, and purpose. Whether in your chosen field, in relationships, or in your personal growth, remember that talent alone will not carry you to greatness. It is the dedication, the willingness to show up day in and day out, that will build the life you desire. Like Alexander, like Da Vinci, and like Mandela, your greatness will come not from the talents you were born with, but from the effort you put forth and the purpose that drives you.

Therefore, O children, let your purpose be clear, let your flair be nurtured, and let your work ethic guide you. Success will not come in a flash of brilliance, but in the steady accumulation of effort. It is in the small, consistent actions that we build the foundations for a life of lasting success. Embrace your talents, but remember, it is the work you do every day, the commitment to your purpose, that will define your journey and lead you to the true riches of life.