5 Steps to Success

How do you define Success?

What is your definition of success? A lot of individuals think that large amounts of money and fame dictates your success. If this is truly the only definition of success, it is easy to see why so many people feel that they will never achieve success. This definition of success makes it easy to generalize why so many individuals choose this path other than following their own dreams, if they are even dreaming at all. Yes, I know that some individuals have skills that may land them on television or on the radio, however, I am here to share a message that informs individuals that it is possible to succeed in other ways.

Success is defined by tangible rewards. Success in my opinion is associated with intrinsic motivations. For an individual to feel successful, they need to feel that what they are doing has a purpose, they have mastered the skills needed to be successful and the freedom from outside influence, also called autonomy.

So, again I ask the question…

• WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?
• What would you have to be doing in your life right now for you to be able to sit back and say to yourself, I am successful?

Do not limit yourself by saying, having a large amount of money and fancy cars is the meaning of success. No, I really want you to take this time to think about your definition of success. Dream Big. What do you see yourself doing with your life? You can also think of being successful in the next month of even next week. It doesn’t have to be so far into the future. Maybe you have a test coming up, a job interview. These are opportunities for success. Take some time to think and then write down your top 5.

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________

4. _______________________________________________________

5. _______________________________________________________

Achieving your goals

Now that we have established your goals, what steps do you need to take to get achieve your goals? Below I have given you 5 steps to successfully reaching your goals. Please note, that the one element that control the outcome of your success is YOU. You must first be willing to make the changes and do the work needed to reach your level of success. Let’s take a look at these 5 steps. 5 Steps to Success…

1. Get to know who you are..

This means take a deep look into yourself and see what makes you, you. What makes you mad or sad? What makes you happy? Are you hot tempered, why? How do you normally react when you face challenges, experience change and/or when things do not go your way? Have your choices in the past played a role in the way you are today? What are your deepest fears? These types of questions allow you to take a deep look into yourself to see what areas may require change. The way you think, controls your actions and dictates consequences.

2. Create a vision and create obtainable and realistic goals to reaching your vision.

Dream big. Again, do not limit yourself. Also remember, your dreams do not have to be so far into the future. It can be any situation you would like to be successful in. Your dreams may be different from what your parents and others may see you doing and that is alright. But what do YOU want? They may even be something out of the ordinary that no one has ever thought of or they may feel that it is a waste of time. Still go after your dreams. You are the expert of your life.

3. Create a plan of action, take risk, and keep going.

In everything there will be obstacles, distractions and what some may call failure. I hate the word failure. It is only failure when you quit trying. Failures are learning opportunities. They allow you to take a deep look at what went wrong and alter your plan of action. For this step you will need to step out of your comfort zone, really take some time to think about what goals to set that will guide you towards becoming successful, and most important, you must stay positive. Negative self-talk does not belong here. It is counter-productive.

4. Prepare yourself for change, be helpful and encouraging to people around you, and keep your mind and heart strong. 

During this stage you will need to involve analyzing your personal strength and/or weaknesses, needs, and digging deep into your belief system. Your beliefs and values will have a huge part in your decision making. Take inventory and make sure your dreams and goals fall in line with your beliefs and values.
 

5. Dedicate yourself to your vision, your dream.

If you are not dedicated all the goal planning, research, the people you asked to help you, any work that you have done to aid you on your journey to success will be null and void. Stay focused and keep people around you that will make sure you stay committed. There may be days where you do not want to go on, the right person on your team can give you that extra push, an empowerment coach can give you that right push. Being successful will not be an easy journey. Do not become discouraged. You can achieve all that you set your mind too.

More information on each step is provided in my coaching courses/modules. I am ready and eager to work with you on your journey towards reaching your goals. “Success if the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence” -Ret. U.S. Gen. Colin Powell