Steps to success
Whatever you want to succeed at, your career, relationship, making money, or anything else, there are proven steps that will increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome.
- Have a goal. Have a purpose. Know precisely (rather than have some vague idea of) what it is you want to achieve.
- Make a plan—a list of logical steps (usually to a time scale) that are likely to lead to achieving your goal. Know where you are going, what route you will follow, and how long it will take you to get there.
- Learn what you need to know. Don’t assume you automatically have the knowledge or skills needed. For instance, the majority of new small businesses fail within the first five years yet many people start new ventures with little knowledge or understanding of even the basics of running a business. Do your research. Your local library and the Internet are free, seek advice and information from those in the field you want to succeed at, or undertake more formal training if necessary.
- Be prepared to work. Few things are as easy as they seem. And while luck often plays a big part in any success story, without hard work and effort, no amount of luck will be enough.
- Keep yourself motivated. Develop your external motivators (such as role models, awards, or recognition) and internal motivators (such as a desire to compete, or a personal desire for achievement).
- Cultivate enthusiasm. If you don’t feel excitement and passion for your project it will be difficult to keep motivated and committed. Visualizing success and enjoying the process or the journey help keep zest alive.
- Confidence. Believe in yourself and your success. To be an achiever you need to be a believer. Confidence comes with action, work, trying new things, practice. Focus on the positives you have already achieved. Create a success file. Remind yourself of all your positive qualities and skills.
- Perseverance and mental toughness. Most overnight successes take years of hard work. Don’t give up just because things are not as easy as you hoped or because unforseen problems arise—that’s life. Mentally tough people are fighters who have the ability to push on even when everything seems against them. They don’t let fear, anxiety, or stress overwhelm them.
- Self-reliance. Your future is in your hands. While many people may help you, only you have the power to make the decisions and put into effect actions that can lead to success. Self-reliance involves self-discipline and self-management, taking responsibility for yourself and your actions, and having the courage to stand alone. It’s perhaps best summed up by the phrase ‘If it is to be, then it is up to me.’
- Managing failure. Accept that setbacks are inevitable. They happen to everyone and are not a sign that you are a failure, incompetent, doomed, or anything else. Don’t allow them to sap your confidence or optimism. Learn from them and move on.
- Self-image. Who you think you are is who you become. Most of our limitations are self-imposed. A positive but accurate self-image is vital. There is no point in denying your weaknesses but neither should they be allowed to reduce your opinion of yourself. Don’t under or over estimate yourself.
- Conquer stress. Stress overload can break the toughest people. So learn ways to manage, control and limit the stress you face. Take time to relax. Work out a stress management program for yourself (such as breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation) and regularly use it.
- People skills. Honey is far more appealing than vinegar. Whatever your venture you will need the co-operation of others. While you might be able to get what you want through bullying, manipulation, blackmail, sarcasm, nagging, exploitation, or deception, such methods won’t do anything to ensure that people give you their best or work on your behalf with good will. Tack, negotiation, persuasion, co-operation, listening, consideration, friendship, support, and good manners are far more productive.
- Sacrifice. No one can have everything. The time, effort and energy you put into your project cannot be spent on anything else. If you study hard for a qualification you may lose touch with friends, if you spend too much time socializing, you may not get your qualification, if you put all your effort into your business you may disconnect from your partner or children. Everything has a cost. It helps to be aware of it.
© Ultimate-self.com 2007 All rights reserved.
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