When do you consider yourselves to be a successful person?
Simply, When we achieve any target, goal, within a definite time-frame, we call it a success or when win in competitions, top in exams, promoted in career, appreciated and acknowledged by people, earn more and affluent, earn name, fame and recognized by all, excel in all that do.
Secrets of Success:
Over the years, research has revealed that most successful people have 10 traits in common. These 10 traits-together-help successful people meet their goals and turn their dreams into reality. How many of these secrets of success do you practice?
- How you think is everything. Remember to “think positive” at every opportunity. Visualize success, not failure. Avoid negative environments and people. You are what you think. In fact, a study shows that positive thinking actually increases longevity.
- Decide on your dreams and goals. Be specific about your goals. For example, say “I am taking competitive exam class next month,” rather than “I would like to take competitive exam class sometime.” Create a plan to reach your goals, and stick to it.
- Take action. Goals alone have no meaning. You need to take action to make them real. Don’t let fear hold you back. “Just do it.”
- Never stop learning. Take classes, read books, join a discussion group, etc. If you are interested in a subject make time to learn about it. Keep acquiring new skills.
- Be persistent and work hard. You have probably heard the expression, “Success is a marathon, not a sprint.” Keep your eye on the goal, and keep working towards it. Don’t give up.
- Learn to analyze details. Get all the facts, and ask for input. This will help you make wiser decisions. Acknowledge your mistakes, but don’t beat yourself up. Learn from your mistakes.
- Focus your time and money. When you believe in something, put your attention and energy there. Don’t let others distract you.
- Don’t be afraid to do innovate, be different. Be true to yourself, and have your own ideas. Following the crowd is a path to mediocrity.
- Communicate with people effectively. Remember that no person is an island. Communicate your thoughts and desires honestly, and encourage other to communicate honestly with you. Practice understanding and motivating other people.
- Be honest and dependable; take responsibility for what you do. Never cheat or lie. When you make a promise, keep it. When you screw up, admit it. Without honesty, dependability and responsibility, the other nine secrets of success don’t add up to much.
Does success depend on what you get from the outside world, like promotions, recognition and appreciations? Yes, to a certain extent.
If we keep improving consistently and yet if we don’t top the list, does it mean that we are not successful?
Yes, when I lack behind many people, how can I consider myself to be successful? I want to be the first or at least within the top three.
Excellent!! Aiming to be the first is a wonderful way to grow but does it depend on you performing better than others? Does other people’s work decide you being successful in anyway???
Say, ranging from 1-10 (1- poor, 10-best) you have the capacity to reach 9 and others have the capacity of about 7, if you achieve 7 and others get 6, you have been promoted, do you consider yourself successful? Well, if I top the list and much better than the others, I am successful, am happy 😃.
Let’s think. When I’m capable of something more but just because I have scored more than the others (but less than my capability), am I successful?
We initially termed success as “a target achieved” but during the journey of life, we tend to compare ourselves with others and spoil the show. We do the same comparison with our children, relatives and friends too. Our intentions of our loved ones to excel in everything, is very pure. But we tend to compare their performance with others and criticize them if their growth is comparatively less. Comparison is a threat to success.
What happens when we compare people’s performances?
Ø We focus on the result more than the journey before it.
Ø We tend to either underrate or overrate people, which do not help them in improving consistently.
Ø We may slowly tend to become jealous of the other which is highly dangerous for the self and others.
In this highly competitive world, how else can I be successful?
Success, only and only depends on my target and my own improvement towards it. Every attempt to learn more and improve in my field of interest is a success in every phase. When I’m able to appreciate myself on every small improvement, I grow faster towards my target. Other people never come into picture when one’s success is considered.
When I keep learning from my mistakes and keep growing, I feel happy with my growth. This further motivates me to perform more. Whatever be the hurdles in my way, I look into only what I can do to overcome those and use my experience for further growth. I believe in my strengths and determination. I don’t give-up until I achieve it. I never look into where and how others are. On the other hand, I’m open to help others in their journey towards their target.
This helps me to learn a lot, not restricted only to my field of interest but expands wider than I can ever imagine.
When I learn to grow in this way, I remain happy during my journey towards my goal.
Happiness IS NOT only when the goal is achieved but is the journey towards it. I get to know my hidden strengths. I do not compare or compete with anyone. I am free to grow at my pace using my capabilities and creativity. If at all I look at others, it is only from a learning perspective.
Money, name, fame, appreciations and recognition do not define one’s success. When we desire for such things, in the name of success, we tend to get into the groove of several malpractices like lying, cheating, using easier but wrong ways of getting things done, etc. If our journey towards success is filled with such activities, such a success is worth nothing but worse than a failure.
A few steps on how to move towards your goal
Understand why and how much the goal is important to you.
Ø Believe that you can do it
Ø Put in your best every time
Ø There will definitely be hurdles in your way, in the form of difficulty in understanding and implementing, people’s intervention, financial problems, health issues and unexpected incidents in life, unable to focus or spend more time due to other work, etc.
Ø Take every improvement as a boost to move further with humility.
Ø Take every fall-back as a learning process.
Ø Never ever lose focus, stay determined in what you want to achieve, if that is your priority.
Ø Find ways to solve problems, instead of running away from it.
Ø Keep telling to yourself repeatedly, “I can do it”.
Ø Help others (those who are interested) to grow.
Ø Learn from others mistakes and success stories.
All the best and have a wonderful journey of happiness and enthusiasm. Success will automatically follow you!!!