1. Realize your Potential
In order to succeed at anything, you need to see that you have
the potential to reach your goals. For example, if you want to
be a recording artist but have no singing ability, having
success in this field is not likely. However, if you love
working on cars and have a real talent for fixing engines and
transmissions, and to you, success would mean working for
NASCAR, you have potential to learn and achieve that success.
3. Dare to Dream
To succeed, you need to have dreams and aspirations. Be honest
with yourself as to what you want out of life and what you want
to give of your life. Allow your mind to dream and think big.
5. Dont Give Up
To reach success, you have to persevere. Even Thomas Edison had
to learn this. When he was creating the incandescent light bulb,
it took him more than 10,000 times to get it right. Keep
striving even when it becomes challenging.
7. Stop the Complaining
You might think there is no correlation between complaining and
success when in fact there is a connection. When you are
spending time complaining about the obstacles you are facing,
you are wasting so much time being negative that you are
actually loosing chances to move forward. Instead of thinking
of challenges as problems, think of them as opportunities.
9. Change your Circumstances
You have a choice in life to accept your position or change it.
If you choose to plug along in life hoping that something will
change for the better, you will not get very far. Always
remember that when it comes to changing your circumstances, you
can you have that power. As an example, women who are in
abusive situations often feel controlled and powerless to get
out of the situation. They have the same choice of changing
their circumstances as you do. If your circumstances lower the
chances of success, you need to change them.
11. Accept Responsibility
You need to accept responsibility if you make a bad decision or
fall behind in your plan. Let us say that you have set some
firm milestones that need to be accomplished in order for you to
move to the next step. However, you got tired of working hard
and took some time to play, which is fine as long as it does not
affect your goals. Now months have passed and you are way behind
schedule. This delay has closed several doors of opportunities.
13. No Shortcuts
An old clich states, Anything worth doing is worth doing
well. This should be your motto. When you want to succeed,
you cannot afford to take shortcuts. Taking shortcuts leads to
imperfection and inadequacies. Always strive for the best, even
if it requires a little more time and effort.
15. Be Excited to Learn
Referring back to the analogy of Edison, when asked about his
failures by a young boy, Edison commented, Young man, I
didnt fail 9,999 times, I discovered 9,999 ways not to invent
the light bulb. As you work toward your specific success,
always enjoy opportunities to learn, even if it takes longer
than you think it should.
17. Seek Input
Whatever your idea of success, conduct a sanity check
throughout the process of reaching your goal. This should be
done with someone you trust and who is themselves successful.
Ask them to provide honest feedback about your success and as
you move through different milestones, bounce concerns or new
ideas off them to help keep you on the right track.
19. Be a Good Listener
To succeed, you need to learn how to listen first. Pay
attention to other people who have enjoyed successes in their
life, attend seminars given by people that can motivate and
encourage, or be open to hearing that a particular idea is not a
good one. Good listening takes time to learn but in the end, it
will be your greatest tool.
21. Little Red Engine
Do you remember the story of the caboose that was desperately
trying to make it over a very large hill? He kept telling
himself repeatedly, I think I can, I think I can. When
you start feeling overwhelmed or defeated, tell yourself aloud
these same words. While it may seem a little awkward at first,
stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself, I think I can,
I think I can. You might even change the words to, I know
I can!
23. Stay Motivated
When striving for the big goal of success, it is critical to
stay motivated. Find inspiring and motivational tapes,
seminars, books, movies; whatever you are able to get your hands
on. When you start to feel a little down and out and doubt
starts to creep in, turn to these motivational tools to help you
keep on track. A few excellent motivators include Tony Robbins,
Norman Vincent Peale, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, and Les Brown.
25. Be Passionate
Fall in love with what your success. Okay, although that sounds
funny, you need to have an intimate passion with your interest.
You can do this regardless of what your success is. By having
passion for what you are doing and driving toward, you will
automatically put more effort into it. Passion is a good thing
as long as it does not become an obsession.
27. No Excuses
Many famous actors, music artists, inventors, etc., had special
challenges ranging from learning disabilities to physical
disabilities. Take Beethoven for example. He was born deaf yet
he went on to be one of the worlds greatest composers or Joni
Erickson who was paralyzed from the neck down yet she learned to
paint with her mouth. Today, her paintings are famous around the
world and worth millions. If you are faced with a special
challenge of your own, while you may have to adjust things from
time to time, do not use excuses. If you want something bad
enough, there is a way!
29. Patience and Dues
Succeeding takes time. A goal worth setting will take time to
achieve. Be patient with yourself, the people around you, and
the process it takes to become successful, also referred to as
paying your dues. Just like the chef scenario, it takes
time to be a master chef. Pay your dues by learning and working
your way up the ladder to success.
31. Make Opportunities
Rather than wait for opportunity to find you, you need to find
opportunities. This might be watching for business opportunities
in the paper regarding small businesses being sold, great real
estate opportunities, and investments with stocks, bonds, or
mutual funds, taking a talent and turning it into an
entrepreneurial adventure. People that have reached financial
status will tell you that they look for ways to seize
opportunities, not wait for opportunities to come knocking on
their door because it will not happen that way.
33. Be Thankful
You need to be thankful for not only your accomplishments but
also your failures. Having a grateful attitude is important.
It will help you stay humble, which in turn, will help you
continue striving for the ultimate in success.
35. Rewards
When children do something great, parents will reward them with
something nice, whether a kind word of encouragement or a new
toy. When people do well in their job, they get raises. As you
surpass your milestones, reward yourself. Treat yourself to
something nice a new dress, a new fishing pole, whatever you
like, be sure to award yourself for a job well done.
37. Focus on the Big Picture
As you make your way toward success, you will be challenged with
big obstacles as well as small obstacles. Pick your battles
wisely. While you need to resolve the small issues, do not
dwell on them and lose precious time and energy when you should
be focusing on the bigger picture. In other words, do not allow
the menial things to clutter your mind and monopolize your time.
39. Make the Process and Adventure
You should look at every angle of your journey as an exciting
adventure. When you think of your childhood years, you loved
investigating the unknown. Carry this with you as you strive
toward success. Anticipate the excitement of each
accomplishment make it a real adventure.
41. Offer Praise
If you have people helping you out, whether on a volunteer
basis
or a full-time employee, always offer praise. These people are
an important part of your success and by providing praise and
support; in return, they will show dedication and work hard to
help you reach your goal.
43. Collaborate with Others
More than likely, you will reach various times when you do not
have the appropriate expertise to accomplish something. This is
the time collaboration and/or networking is valuable. These
relationships can help you answer questions, provide guidance,
and provide the ongoing support and encouragement you will
need.
45. Repositioning and Reflection
On occasion, reflect on what you have accomplished as well as
your open milestones and ensure you are still heading in the
right direction. Repositioning along the way to success is
perfectly normal and to be expected. You may have been
struggling with something specific. Rather than continue
battling this issue, reflect on what has not been working, and
reposition yourself so you do not have to keep battling the same
things repeatedly.
47. Community
Regardless of what your goal for success is, get involved with
your community. First, get involved with town meetings, the
local Chamber of Commerce, and attend community functions. You
will be amazed at the opportunities for support, business ideas,
and financing available right there in your own neighborhood.
49. Get out of Debt
Take time to get any debts paid off, especially credit card
debts that will cost you a fortune in interest. This is
especially important if you will be seeking funding as a part of
your particular success. You want to ensure that your records
and credit are clean if you need to make a presentation before
an investor, asking for money.
51. Location, Location, Location
If you are planning to open a business, you have probably
already heard how important the right location is in order to be
successful. Do not settle for any location as a means of getting
the doors of your business open. Instead, take the appropriate
amount of time and find the right location. This will be
one of the best decisions you can make. It would be far better
to delay your opening a month in order to secure the right
location than to open early in the wrong location!
53. Be Open to Improvement
Sometimes, people get into the habit of thinking they have the
answers needed. You need to accept that you do not have all the
answers and more importantly, be open to recommendations from
other people. That does not mean you have to agree or even
follow those suggestions, but it does mean to listen. You never
know when someone will have an idea that will make things easier
and more functional, ultimately helping you arrive at your goal
more efficiently.
55. Take care of Yourself
Being successful means taking care of you, both physically and
emotionally. You will need to have energy, focus, and rest. In
turn, this will help you concentrate and put in the hours
required to be successful. Without taking proper care of
yourself, you will end up struggling and your business could
feel the effects.
57. Participate
If attending seminars or lectures that will help you get ahead,
if there is the opportunity, participate by asking questions or
making valid points. Participation is a great way to remember
what is being taught.
59. Study Time
No matter what your goal for success, you should set aside some
time to study. If you want to be a successful hair stylist,
study different styles, colors, and trends. If you want to be a
veterinarian, study animals. Whatever your success, take time to
read, research, and ask many questions. You should also consider
volunteering at the local beauty school or hair salon or your
veterinarians office. Ask if you can follow them around for
a day or two and without getting in the way, observe, and ask
questions.
61. Provide Yourself Time
You need to be sure to allow yourself some time just for
pleasure. Being successful is hard work so to avoid burnout;
you need to treat yourself to a night out or just time to sit
back, watch TV, and do absolutely nothing once in awhile.
63. Talk About It
Talking about your goals for success not only keeps it in the
front of your mind but also keeps up your excitement level. In
addition, it adds in an element of accountability. Think about
it, you go around telling everyone that you are going to be a
masseuse, those people are going to be expecting, and anxious to see you succeed. By talking about your goals, you are creating a motivational system a system of accountability.
65. Avoid Stress
When you strive to be successful, stress is a natural part of
the process. Do everything you can to avoid stress. Adding in
unnecessary stress into the equation will take focus away from
accomplishing your goals. You can listen to relaxing tapes, get
a professional massage, take a walk, or whatever helps you to
relax. When you start feeling overwhelmed, stop, change
direction, and avoid stress. The only thing stress accomplishes
is draining your think power and creativity.
67. Be a Problem Solver
Rather than stew over things or let stress overtake you, find
ways to become a problem solver. Look at ways that you might
find new customers, increase productivity, or resolve issues.
69. Offer a Guarantee
If you have created a business that offers either products or
services, in order to get and keep customers coming back, they
have to know that you stand behind what you offer. Providing a
guarantee will help your business grow and reach the highest
level of success.
71. Expand your Mind
Whatever your idea of success, take it one-step further.
Stretch your mind and reach just one-step higher than you
thought you could reach. If you were going to open an ice cream
store, offering 30 flavors, go one more step and make it 31.
Okay, you get the idea.
73. Be Logical
Okay, you may be thinking that logic itself is logical.
However, being logic in many cases means having some level of
analytical ability. Regardless of the way you think, find the
logic in it. This will help you think and plan clearly and
honestly.
75. Take Classes
Take some classes at college where you can get a certification.
Enhancing yourself on a personal level will boost everything
about you, making you feel better, about the person you are.
When you feel better, you achieve more. This is a great time to
obtain your certification in CPR, First Aid, a computer class, or
some other outside interest you have.
77. Raise your Standards
You may think you are working your tail off and you probably
are. Try raising the bar just a little bit. Always expect the
best from yourself. Do not beat yourself up if you do not
always hit 100% but increase your standards and strive for
more.
79. Paint a Picture
A great way to keep working toward your goal is to see it. If
you want to open a computer store, find a picture or article
about Bill Gates when he first got started. If your success is
to lose weight, go to Diets.com or Slimfast.com and print off a
before and after picture of someone that has a similar body type
to yourself. Perhaps your goal is to redecorate your bedroom.
Again, locate before and after pictures on the Internet of
decorated rooms. Seeing is believing!
81. Just Do It
Okay, so Nike coined that phrase but it is so accurate. Quit
putting things off and just do it. If you want it bad enough,
go for it!
83. Want Versus Need
When you strive for success, do it because you want it, not
because you need it. When you want something, it brings about
intention, desire, and action. However, when you need
something, it will lead to pain, stress, and frustration.
85. Economic Value
Considering your talent, also look at things that can help
create economic value. These types of goals have better chance
of being successful and lasting. Is there something in your
community that could bring about more revenue? As an example,
do you live in a smaller town where there are no fast food
restaurants, causing people to drive miles outside of your town
for a cheeseburger and shake? If so, perhaps opening a small
fast food restaurant would be a great option. You could have
the success of running your own business while bringing
something to your community.
87. Appreciate Life
Do not burn any bridges in life. Appreciate life, people,
everything around you. Learn as much as you can from every
person you meet. Do not turn people away just because you do
not agree with them. You never know, the very people you turn
away may be the very people that come to your rescue during a
time of difficulty.
89. Believe
Not only do you need to believe in the product or service you
are building to success, you also need to believe in you. Your
confidence is what will get you through the difficult challenges
and build credibility with your customers.
91. Plan your Costs
Unbelievably, there are thousands of entrepreneurs that start a
business without the foggiest idea of what their costs are going
to be. Either there is an estimation that is way overstated or
understated. From the very beginning, you need to have a strong
handle on knowing what you will need to get your business startedand keep it running. Additionally, you need to have projectionsfor your future success. Know your numbers and make sure they are accurate.
93. Keep it Lean
Start-up businesses do not have room for dead weight. As
an example, when first starting out, if you need some
assistance, rather then hiring a permanent employee that will
involve salary, insurance, other benefits, etc., consider a
temporary employee until the business grows. Keep improving the bottom line before you start adding on more expenses to your
business.
95. Guard your Emotions
Keeping emotions in check is not always an easy task. You will
have times of disappointment that will require you to react with
integrity. You may feel like crying and feel as though your
world has just ended. Keep telling yourself that it has not
ended and you will just have to make some adjustments in your
plan. Never allow anger to be a response. You never know the
trickle down effect of that anger and how it could permanently
damage your reputation.
97. Break Bad Habits
Habits, regardless of size or nature, can be exceptionally
difficult to break. This will take a lot of effort but you can
do it. Unfortunately, poor habits can be the one aspect of your
behavior that could be the obstacle to your success. If you have
a habit of sniffling or chewing your nails when you get nervous
or saying demeaning or offensive things as a way of trying to
control, to be successful, whether on a personal or business
level, you have to stop.
99. Have Balance in your Life
Imagine yourself on a canoe with another person. The day is
beautiful, sunny, and warm. The two of you are floating along
without a care in the world. Suddenly, ripples of water start
rocking the canoe and without proper balance, both of you, along
with all your belongings, are thrown into the cold water. It is
the same when you strive for success. You have to find balance
not only for yourself but also for others around you. Balance
means providing time away from work for pleasure, working extra
hours when required, knowing when a new direction is required,
etc.
101. Face your Weaknesses
The best way to get better at anything and to be successful is
to face the weaknesses we all possess. Everyone has weaknesses
and in order to be better, think clear, act appropriately, and
succeed, you have to identify the areas you need to improve on
and then take action to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
There is no better gratification than being successful. Accept
that you are in for some hard work but the results will be
incredible. Use these tips as guidelines and step outside the
box. Take action and succeed!