Certain aspects of success involve chance or luck. For instance, someone you know has a personal relationship with a hiring manager of a company that you want to join. They provide a referral and you are able to bypass the cumbersome online application process and receive an immediate interview. That’s a benefit of chance.
But in many cases, success doesn’t just happen. It is dependent on you! You are responsible for setting the stage and positioning yourself for opportunities that can lead to goal achievement. Consider this situation. After being frustrated for months with her job, one of my group coaching clients packed up her entire family and moved to the West Coast for a new opportunity. Although it wasn’t her ideal position, she was confident that it provided an environment where she could fully contribute and excel. Just as luck would have it, 3 months later, her director resigned enabling an opportunity for a promotion. Because of the work ethic she demonstrated and the relationships she built, in that short time period, she was offered the role. She made a choice to take a chance to achieve the change she desired in her career and it paid off. She positioned herself to succeed.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ~Seneca
No matter what you are trying to accomplish or become successful with – a career transition, promotion, more time with family, better relationships with others or a healthier lifestyle – these tips can help.
PURSUE PROGRESS AND FORGET PERFECTION
The goal is on moving forward not how fast you go or how well you do it. Small steps forward add up to a lot of mileage over time. As you succeed you’ll learn and improve along the way. Get your footing and follow through on the tasks you’ve identified that will help you to excel.
MANAGE YOUR TIME
If your activities don’t align with your vision or mission it’s time to make some changes. When you’re bored, how do you amuse yourself? What do you do when you procrastinate? How can you add more time to do the things that are helpful for achieving your objectives? Write them down so you can see the impact of your actions or lack of action. The sooner you’re able to stop yourself from indulging in time wasting activities, the better the odds of success.
SCHEDULE TIME TO GET THINGS DONE
Someday is not a day of the week. Eliminate non essential tasks that are clogging your calendar. Be purposeful in allocating time to get things accomplished. Begin by starting small (if it’s necessary). Schedule 30 minutes a day toward accomplishing your goals. Focus on staying engaged and record your progress daily to stay motivated.
MEET MORE PEOPLE
You often hear it’s what you know or who you know that leads to success. Another contributing fact that matters is who knows you. Surveys reveal that personal referrals is the top contributor of how jobs are filled. One survey conducted in partnership with LinkedIn reveals that it could be as high as 85%. Networking helps to connect with mentors, customers, colleagues and people of influence. Get the word out about who you are and what you are trying to accomplish. Use every opportunity to increase your exposure by sharing valuable information and insights that demonstrate your brand and supports those who engage with you.
BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Reaching your goals will involve talent, persistence, patience and other people. According to Nielsen’s Trust In Advertising report, 84% of consumers say they either completely or somewhat trust recommendations from family, colleagues, and friends about products and services – making these recommendations the highest ranked source for trustworthiness.
In order to sell yourself or a product, create your own advisory board. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, inspire you, make you laugh, add value to your life and who will vouch for you. The strongest method of success is when others do the work for you, whether that is through encouragement, information or a recommendation. If you can get others to support you the chances of your success are multiplied.
Don’t sit by idling…waiting for success to knock on your door. Move forward and be your best self! Get into position and excel. It’s Time!
For more ways to be Fearless, Inspired, and Transform, check out my FIT Tips podcast.
