GoalSuccess

Photo by Pearl

I have probably failed more than I would like to admit. But I have also been very successful. In retrospect, looking at the times I have failed versus the time I succeeded, it was clear: The times I did well were when I believed in myself, I believed in the project, and I had a clear vision of what I wanted to accomplish. Now, I like to believe I can do anything, at least when I set my mind to these five principles. I know that with these simple steps, you can succeed too. So, take a little break from Twitter and start to shape your vision.

01 | KNOW YOURSELF AND KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
We are constantly growing into more mature, evolved versions of ourselves. Start thinking of the person you want to be. Start to think about what it is you want. Have a clear, written out goal of you plan to achieve. You should be able to finish these three questions: (1) I am… (2) I want to… (3) I will have this done by…

02 | SEE IT AND BELIEVE IT
Start to visualize that goal of yours. Have a very clear vision of what you want. If it’s a lifestyle, where does it take place? What does it involve? Who is with you? If it’s success, what level? What determines “success” for you? Is it financial gain or status?

03 | MAP OUT WAYS TO GET THERE
Start to think of ideas and steps you might need to take to get there. This is your throw- everything-at-the-wall-step. Is is education? Is it networking? Is it exposure? What do you need and how are you going to get it?

04 | SET CONCRETE GOALS (SMALL & BIG)
Now that you know who you want to be and what you want to accomplish, you have a clear idea of what it looks and feels like, and you’ve thrown all your ideas out on the wall, see what’s going to stick. Start narrowing down the exact steps needed to get you to where you want to be. Set long-term goals (by the end of this year; five years from now; 10 years from now, etc.) and short term, weekly goals (each week I need to connect with three potential prospects or follow up with at least three potential leads).

05 | TREAT THIS OPPORTUNITY AS THE OPPORTUNITY
Sometimes I find myself wondering, “Is this going to do anything for me?” The answer is always “Yes.” No matter the project, it can always give you one of two important things: (1) Personal development; (2) Professional development. It can be a new lead or lesson learned; a strength in your work ethic or a nice release. No matter what it is, always treat it as something that could lead to something. It may look small, mediocre or unsatisfying, but it just might also be the one tipping point that gets you noticed by the right person at the right time. Either way, you’ll still gain something in the end.

Lastly, enjoy the journey. Enjoy yourself. Laugh (at both yourself and the journey). It’ll be a wild ride, but it’ll be worth it in the end.

FROM THE EDITOR
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