3 Things Successful People Do

1. Success is a Journey, Not a Destination

Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.

Define success holistically. Success is not about achieving a specific goal or reaching a particular status. Instead, it's an ongoing process of personal development and contribution to others. This perspective shifts the focus from external achievements to internal growth and impact.

Embrace the process. By viewing success as a journey:

• You can find fulfillment in daily progress rather than waiting for a final destination
• You're more likely to persevere through challenges, seeing them as part of the journey
• You remain open to new opportunities and continuous learning
• You can celebrate small wins along the way, maintaining motivation

Sow seeds for others. True success involves making a positive impact on those around you. This could mean mentoring others, contributing to your community, or creating value through your work. By focusing on benefiting others, you create a legacy that extends beyond personal achievements.

2. Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude

When our attitudes outdistance our abilities, even the impossible becomes possible.

Cultivate a positive mindset. Your attitude is the foundation of your success journey. A positive attitude:

• Helps you overcome obstacles and setbacks
• Attracts opportunities and like-minded individuals
• Increases resilience and perseverance
• Improves problem-solving abilities and creativity

Choose your response. While you can't control all circumstances, you can always control your reaction to them. By choosing a positive attitude, you:

• Transform challenges into opportunities for growth
• Maintain focus on solutions rather than problems
• Inspire and motivate others around you
• Create a self-fulfilling prophecy of success

Develop habits that reinforce a positive attitude, such as:

• Daily gratitude practice
• Surrounding yourself with positive influences
• Regular self-reflection and personal development
• Celebrating small wins and progress

3. Set Clear Goals to Chart Your Course

Goals are like points on a travel plan. Each one leads to the next and takes you farther in the right direction.

Create a roadmap for success. Clear, well-defined goals provide direction and purpose to your journey. They help you:

• Focus your efforts on what's most important
• Measure progress and stay motivated
• Make better decisions aligned with your objectives
• Break down large aspirations into manageable steps

Implement SMART goals. Ensure your goals are:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve
• Measurable: Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress
• Achievable: Set realistic and attainable goals
• Relevant: Align goals with your overall purpose and values
• Time-bound: Set deadlines to create urgency and focus

Regularly review and adjust your goals as you progress on your journey. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining forward momentum.

4. Personal Growth is Essential for Success

The only way to improve the quality of your life is to improve yourself.

Commit to lifelong learning. Personal growth is the engine that drives your success journey. By continuously developing yourself, you:

• Expand your capabilities and potential
• Stay relevant in a rapidly changing world
• Increase your value to others and opportunities for success
• Gain confidence and self-awareness

Develop a growth plan. Create a structured approach to personal development:

• Identify key areas for improvement aligned with your goals
• Set aside dedicated time for learning (e.g., reading, courses, workshops)
• Seek feedback and mentorship from others
• Apply new knowledge and skills in practical situations
• Reflect on your progress and adjust your plan as needed

Embrace discomfort. Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Be willing to:

• Take on new challenges and responsibilities
• Learn from failures and setbacks
• Seek diverse perspectives and experiences
• Question your assumptions and beliefs

5. Overcoming Fear and Failure is Crucial

Failure isn't failure unless you don't learn from it.

Reframe fear and failure. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, see fear and failure as:

• Opportunities for growth and learning
• Indicators that you're pushing your boundaries
• Natural parts of the success journey
• Valuable feedback to guide your next steps

Develop resilience. Build your ability to bounce back from setbacks:

• Cultivate a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities
• Practice self-compassion and avoid harsh self-criticism
• Focus on what you can control and learn from each experience
• Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage perseverance

Take action despite fear. Overcome fear by:

• Breaking big challenges into smaller, manageable steps
• Visualizing success and positive outcomes
• Preparing thoroughly to build confidence
• Celebrating small victories along the way
• Remembering past successes and how you overcame previous fears

6. Family Support Enhances Your Journey

What would it profit me to gain the whole world and lose my family?

Prioritize family relationships. A strong family foundation provides:

• Emotional support and stability
• A sense of purpose and motivation
• A safe haven for personal growth and reflection
• Shared joy in successes and comfort during challenges

Balance work and family. Integrate your family into your success journey:

• Communicate openly about your goals and challenges
• Involve family members in decision-making processes
• Schedule quality time together and honor those commitments
• Share your successes and learnings with your family
• Seek their input and support in overcoming obstacles

Create a family mission. Align your family's values and aspirations:

• Identify shared goals and values
• Discuss how each member can contribute to collective success
• Celebrate family achievements together
• Support each other's individual growth and pursuits

7. Surround Yourself with the Right People

The people closest to me determine my level of success or failure. The better they are, the better I am.

Choose your inner circle wisely. The people around you significantly impact your success journey:

• They influence your mindset, habits, and decisions
• They provide support, accountability, and motivation
• They offer diverse perspectives and skills to complement your own
• They create opportunities for growth and collaboration

Seek out growth-oriented individuals. Look for people who:

• Have a positive attitude and growth mindset
• Demonstrate commitment to their own personal development
• Share similar values and aspirations
• Offer constructive feedback and support
• Inspire and challenge you to reach higher

Build a diverse network. Cultivate relationships with:

• Mentors who can guide and advise you
• Peers who can collaborate and share experiences
• Mentees whom you can support and learn from
• Experts in various fields to expand your knowledge

Regularly assess and nurture your relationships, investing time and energy in those that contribute positively to your journey.

8. Mentor Others to Achieve True Success

To really be successful, you need to take somebody with you across the finish line.

Embrace the role of mentor. Mentoring others:

• Deepens your own understanding and expertise
• Provides personal fulfillment and purpose
• Expands your influence and legacy
• Creates a positive ripple effect in your community

Develop mentoring skills. Effective mentoring involves:

• Active listening and empathy
• Asking powerful questions to stimulate reflection
• Sharing relevant experiences and insights
• Providing constructive feedback and encouragement
• Helping mentees set and achieve their goals

Create mentoring opportunities. Look for ways to mentor others:

• Offer guidance to colleagues or junior team members
• Volunteer with youth organizations or community programs
• Share your expertise through workshops or speaking engagements
• Write articles or books to reach a broader audience

Remember that mentoring is a two-way relationship. Be open to learning from your mentees and growing together on the success journey.

Last updated: October 12, 2024