9 Keys to Success – Stop Waiting For It and Go Get It!

Many of us strive for success, we wish for it, we dream for it, however nothing happens unless we get off our posterior and make it happen. We want to be acknowledged, have a sense of purpose and know that whilst on this earth we achieved something. What was our legacy whilst we were here? At the end of the day, when our time has come to pass we reflect and wander did I live a happy life, did I fulfil my dreams? That ultimate satisfaction, the sense of accomplishment of fully knowing that we achieved what we set out to do matters.

Experts argue that in order to attain success, we have to visualise it, create to do lists, make time and prepare for it. However, none of this is relevant unless we take specific, measureable action consistently on a daily basis. Wishing and dreaming for success is meaningless unless specific action is taken. I once read that your success is dependent on the level of input and contribution you make towards your goals. Clearly this makes sense, an individual who chooses to publicly speak once a month compared to another who speaks 10 times a week is likely to increase their standing within the public speaking circuit faster. The effort you put in is fundamental to the speed of your success.

So what are the keys to achieving success?

1. Spend at Least an Hour a Day on Your Goal

Most of us are time poor, however, when something is important, do you notice how quickly you are willing to rearrange your timetable to make it happen! The one thing that we all have that is constant is time. How you choose to spend that time is what makes a difference, waking up an hour earlier or going to bed later, cutting back on watching TV and playing video games can seriously clock up some major free time to invest in you and your future! I used to work 2 jobs and struggled to make the time to achieve my goals. However, I told myself that I just needed to spend at least 30 minutes each day working towards my goal. However, often 30 minutes would easily become an hour or an hour and a half. When you get into a state of flow, it is amazing how productive you can become.

2. Focus

Unless you know what you want, you will wander aimlessly in the dark. Be specific about the goal you want to achieve and write down an action plan to make it happen. The plan does not have be detailed but should at least have an outline as to how you intend to achieve your goals.

3. Remove Your Limiting Thoughts

Often we will have barriers and excuses as to why we cannot achieve success. This is purely negative thinking on our part.

“Whatever the mind can conceive, it can achieve.”

                                                                      The Lord Buddha

Cultivate a ‘can do’ attitude and you will find that instead of imposing problems you will find solutions.

4. Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Diet

It is important to stay healthy and fit, and making time to exercise is necessary. Without your health, nothing else matters. When you exercise the benefits are huge, you feel energised, your concentration and focus is improved and believe it not, your creative juices flow. To be able to work relentlessly, you need to have the energy levels to sustain the level of commitment required.

“Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health.”

                                       Dalai Lama

5. Invest in Yourself

I once read a quote that said, “Success is dependent on how quickly you adapt to change.” If you want to get ahead, you have to invest in yourself, read widely, listen to podcasts, attend seminars, and watch informative programs across a spectrum of subjects (I am not talking about the usual mundane TV shows but programs that will enhance your knowledge). With knowledge comes growth and with growth comes wisdom to deal with challenging situations.

6. Seek a Mentor

Why reinvent the wheel, seek a mentor and follow their footsteps in how they achieved success. Most successful people offer advice, have eBooks, podcasts or offer seminars to attend. Utilise these resources wisely.

7. Flexibility

You need to be flexible and if something is not working, change course. Being able to tweak the direction of your path is crucial as it allows you try a different approach and still reach your goal. Staying on course is what matters.

8. Tolerate Conflict

Your path to success may not be straightforward and there may be conflicts along the way. You may need to stand your ground and fight your stance. Sometimes a little persuasion and negotiation may be necessary but do not back down every time there is conflict or a challenge.

9. Switch Off the Technological Distractions

Unplug yourself from the wired world, take time out to just be with your thoughts, whether it is to go for a walk, practice yoga or meditation. Tuning out to the rest of the world can sometimes be the recharge you require to get back on track.

Success will not happen overnight, however consistent daily action over a period of time will get us closer to where we want to be.