Category Archives: Success

Five Secrets of Successful People

10 May 2009

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"Abandoned Doorway" by donnacorless @ FlickrThere are times in life when we feel like no matter what we do, nothing works.   We feel like a failure and to make matters worse, life has an uncanny way of kicking us when we are down.  There are moments when we think it may be better to give up.  We begin to realize that the effort is no longer worth the reward.  We question ourselves; our ability, our intelligence.  All around us we are surrounded by people who never seem to struggle, never fail, always succeed.  What do these people have that you don’t?  What separates those who succeed and those who fail?

How can you become a success?

There is something to be said about the power of an individual.  Some people have natural talents while others have to work hard in order to perfect their skills, though many successful people have these 5 qualities in common.  If we can learn to incorporate these 5 qualities of successful people into our own lives we will begin to see a shift in our own lives.

Vision. Successful people have a great sense of foresight.  They set out with a goal in mind and use this goal as a guidepost to help navigate their lives.  They align their actions with their values and priorities, never losing sight of their ultimate goals.

Focused Intensity. Having a goal is a great starting point but it isn’t enough on its own.  In order to gain forward momentum you need passion.  If you are not passionate about your goal you will not have the motivation required to push forward.  It isn’t enough to say you want to a millionaire if you don’t know why.  If you are passionate about your goal, you will have the focused intensity you need for a successful journey.

Commitment. Vision & Intensity are vital factors in success but are of little use if you don’t have commitment.  There are times when you will be faced with challenges.  These challenges can be incredibly frustrating & discouraging.  At times it will seem as if the only option is to give up on your goals.   Having commitment to your goal will allow you to press forward through your challenges.

Attitude. Having a positive attitude is beneficial in accomplishing your goals.  Having a negative attitude will only hinder your potential.  Having a positive attitude will also help you to get through the challenges that you face.  Along with a positive attitude, confidence is also important.  If you are confident in your ability to accomplish your goals others will be more inclined to be confident in your ability as well.  Having other people who believe in you will help build a support system and sometimes these people can also open the door to your success.

Flexibility. As I’ve already discussed, there are times when you will be faced with challenges or opportunities which may require you to temporarily turn your back on your goal.  Having the ability to adapt and be flexible is an important strength which successful people possess.  Sometimes we are so focused on our goals that we turn a blind eye to other opportunities.  Be conscience of these opportunities, even if it means delaying the pursuit of your goals as they may lead to something better.

Step Aside, You’re Blocking Your Success

2 February 2009

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Walking Through the WhiteAll of us have habits, some good and others, well, not so good.  Most of the time we coast through our lives not even considering how our habits impact our lives.  We know that smoking will kill us, or that gambling will break our wallets.  Every year we resolve to change our bad habits; we will eat healthier, exercise regularly, promise to stop swearing. 

What we may not consider is that our habits have the power to destroy relationships, undermine our chances of success and prevent us from leading the full and satisfying life we’ve always dreamt of.

 I’d like you to read that again, and really consider what I just wrote.  Our habits have the power to destroy relationships, undermine our chances of success and prevent us from leading the full and satisfying life we’ve always dreamt of.  You may be asking yourself how this is possible.

Television

The average American will spend 9 years of their lives sitting in front of the television.  That isn’t only a waste of time, it is a waste of life.  I hope that when my time comes that I won’t need to say to myself, “I wish I would have spent more time focusing on what was truely important in life than to have wasted 9 years in front of the damn TV.”

We want better jobs, more money, healthier relationships, and more free time.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could manage to find the time to advance towards these goals?  Hmmm…

Attitude

Attitude plays an important role in personal success as well.  People see me as being a bit cynical, and I am, however,  I don’t let my cynacism overshadow my positive attitude.  Sometimes I get frustrated but I try my best to work past those frustrations.  I try not to wallow in negativity for too long.  Some people on the other hand seem to spend the better portion of their lives complaining.  They can complain about anything, and they do.  Instead of complaining, try to correct whatever the problem is.  Inaction does not lead to solutions.  Do something to change your situation.

Relationships

People are mirrors.  You get out of them what you put in.  If you treat someone poorly, chances are they are going to return the favor.  However, if you treat someone with respect there is a good probability that they will respect you also.  If you spend all of your time ignoring your obligations to your wife and family, don’t be surprised when you come home and find yourself alone.  Spend quality time with your family.  Talk to them and show them that they are important to you.  It is too easy to become complacent in a relationship.  After a while things get comfortable and we don’t put as much effort into making our partners happy as we used to.  Reconnect.

The same is true with friendships.  You can’t always expect your friends to put all of the effort into your relationships.  Instead of expecting them to call you, why not pick up the phone and call them?  Plan a night out or host a get-together at your home.  Invite a couple of friends over for dinner or a barbeque.  If you want to have friends, you need to first be a friend.

Of course, these are only some of the ways that we are preventing ourselves from leading the lives we desire.  Be aware that habits are not only the things that you do, but also the things that you don’t do.  It is oftentimes the small things that you fail to do that lead to the biggest problems.  Be conscience of what those things could be in your own life and do all that you can to change them.

Success

25 January 2009

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Let me take you on a journey.  I promise, it won’t be far and I’ll have you home before dinner.  I’d like to take you to the other side of town.  You know, that part of town where the nice houses are.  The ones with shiny sports car sitting in the driveway. 

“If only I could be that successful” you say to yourself, losing yourself in thoughts of life in a big house, fast cars and more stuff than you could ever imagine.

Now let me challenge you.

We are taught that in order to be successful we must have “things”.  Shiny things, round things, big things, small things.  We are sold on the idea that stuff brings happiness.  The more stuff we have, the happier we are. 

I disagree.  A person is not successful because they own a brand-new sports car or live in a McMansion.

Success can only be measured by how satisfied a person is in their own life.  This is where defining goals comes in.  When there is a clear understanding of what a person values, iPhones, DVDs, designer clothes, Starbucks Grande Mocha-Latte all lose their importance and become an impediment to the goal.

Once I realized that the 350 DVDs that I had sitting around weren’t getting me any closer to what I hope to accomplish in life, I sold all but my absolute favorites.  No doubt that in time even more titles will lose their home in my collection.  I have another stack ready to go to the video store to be sold right now.

I used to collect action figures.  Not that I don’t still enjoy them, but because they are not contributing to my future goals, I’ve managed to sell off most of them, again, keeping only the ones that I get to enjoy daily in my display cabinet.  No longer do I have totes full of toys sitting in a storage unit.

I am constantly analyzing my possessions, finding even the smallest of things that do not provide value in my life anymore.  I sell what is of value on eBay, and donate the rest to Goodwill.  I do my best to keep what I can out of the garbage.  Save the Earth.

Think about what your goals are for your life.  Are your possessions in line with these goals?  If not, I know Goodwill will appreciate your donations.

“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.”
     -Charles Dudley Warner