We all have a different definition of success. Some consider money to be success while others consider happiness to be success. Just so we are all on the same page, we are going to use Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s official definition:
“Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.”
While there are some things that can smooth the path to success, they are not essential. Do you have what it takes to be successful? Some people think you need the right family, the right parents, an inheritance, good looks, or anything else that’s outside of your control.
You do have what it takes to create your own success! The following are a few tips to help you achieve it:
Vision for the Future
Knowing what you want is essential. When you know where you want to go, it is much easier to get there. A vision for the future is equivalent to making decisions about what you want and don’t want. A vision also motivates you to continue when the road becomes difficult.
Set Goals
Once you have a vision, you will need to create goals to make the vision a reality. Goals help to develop new behaviors, guide your focus and sustain the momentum. Failing to have goals is deciding to keep your life the same.
Create Habits
Effective habits allow you to stay the course. Committing to those habits allow you to do your best work.
Connect with Others
There aren’t many things you can do completely on your own. Other people including customers, clients, partners, or the public are necessary to be a success. Networking with others is key on the road to success.
Deal with Discomfort
Success means going out of your comfort zone. A successful person pushes past discomfort, while other people become paralyzed by it. Successful people are able to act even when they feel uncomfortable, in order to discover what they are capable of achieving.
Be Proactive
Successful people look ahead and make appropriate plans. They see future opportunities and challenges and modify their plans and behaviors accordingly. Life tends to go more smoothly if you’re proactive.
Persevere
The journey to success and reaching your goals is not always fun and exciting. Dare we say it can be a grind? The ability to persevere when there’s nothing exciting going on is a good way to gauge how successful you can become. The easier it is for you to give up, the less likely you are to be successful. Your ability to stay the course makes all the difference.
Patience
Patience and perseverance are related. Creating success requires time and patience. Patience is necessary to stay the course and see the results. Without patience, frustration will eventually win.
Following these steps is a start. However, as you take the journey, it is important to review your results along the way. If something isn’t working, don’t get discouraged, try making a change. Remember, success doesn’t require anything outside of your control – you have the tools to create a life that pleases you. You can be a success!