Many books have been written about how to generate the optimum amount of success. The secrets listed below, are just a few that can make a significant difference in both your business and personal life. They are simple in concept, but in many ways difficult to implement – because it forces you to hold yourself accountable.
Take the time to analyze these secrets, make an effort to apply them to your everyday life.
- How you THINK is who you are: Always be Positive. Think success, not failure. Be keenly aware of a negative environment. When negativity encroaches on you, regardless of the source, cut it out of your life. As being positive helps you soar, being negative can spiral you down to failure. Always look for the silver lining and the opportunities that lay under each challenge or obstacle.
- Speak your Dreams and Goals: Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them. It is much like taking a trip; you chart your course, plot out your itinerary and set out on your journey. You must acknowledge outwardly your dreams and goals in order to make them happen, plant the seed and they will happen. Too many times when one runs into a roadblock, they decide to quit – never quit, be diligent and persistent when pursuing your goals.
- Take Action: Goals are nothing without Action – Barry Roberts; top industry speaker echoed this notion in a seminar some years ago, stating that ‘…education is great, but it is worthless without action…”. The concept of doing it NOW, not waiting is key to your success, often times we are presented with major obstacles that appear overwhelming and unconquerable but they are not. Look at it as the proverbial big elephant – eat it one bite at a time.
- Never Stop Learning: Go back to School or read books. Get training and acquired skills. Some feel that they know it all, they don’t need education, and these individuals are fooling themselves. Education can come in all forms – workshops, e-based learning, webinars, podcasts, it can also take the form of networking. Once you have the knowledge put into action, your credibility and profitability will take a major leap upward.
- Be Persistent and Work Hard: It’s not the amount of times you fail that matters, it is the number of times you get back up. Legendary basketball star Michael Jordan once said; “I fail every day, that’s what makes me great”. Even the best athlete or salesperson have low points in their career, however those who are passionate, work hard, and smart are the ones that reach their maximum potential.
- Focus Your Time: know your personal worth and value and get paid what for what you are worth. Salespeople rarely equate a dollar amount for their time; they complain about not having time or not having enough time but never charge for their time. Decide now what you are worth an hour; build on that increase your value through education and effort.
- Don’t be Afraid to Innovate, Be Different have fun and be a kid again: As the saying goes; “If you’re not the lead dog, the scenery never changes” Being a maverick and out it front of the crowd can be a lonely place but at the same time it can be exhilarating. Pioneering new opportunities, always being open to the possibilities makes for a very interesting and creative life. Go ahead, be a maverick!
- Communicate with People Effectively: No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others. This means being a great listener. Listening is one of the greatest skills you can master. Vera Muzzillo, Co-CEO of ProForma once said on a panel discussion about listening, “…you were given two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion to one another…” – great advice!
- Learn to Delegate: know your limitations, then leverage the talents of team members, suppliers, friends. There in nothing wrong with asking for help. Simon Sinek had a great quote, and I love it! ““Asking for help is an act of service. Don’t deny your friends (co-workers) the honor of being there to support you!” - Simon Sinek
- Be Honest and Dependable: Be accountable for your actions on in-action; otherwise, the first nine won’t matter!
Strive to develop and hon these skills for your business and personal life. Doing so will give you a life that is fulfilled, and enjoyable.