THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS

Recently, I've written quite about the quality of living
well. I've talked about simplicity and values, about the
quality of relationships and "walking our talk." And, I
think all of that is vital for a great life! Who would want
money, fame or even power if the cost were a life of misery
and disappointment?
But in the scheme of things, we also have to get things
done. We still have to make some money, achieve some
breakthroughs, make some sales, and be good (very good!) at
what we do!
And so from time to time it's good to step back, take a deep
breath and ask "What, exactly, are the ESSENTIALS for my
success?" Fortunately, this isn't difficult and the answers
are not mysterious.
I think there are a small number of ESSENTIALS for success.
Lots of people have listed them, sometimes coming up with
The Seven Rules, a "Top 10," or whatever. My mentor, Jim
Rohn, often talked about "The Four If's That Make Life
Worthwhile." Jack Canfield's excellent book, "The Success
Principles," lists 64 items, but I suspect that's excessive.
In the end, the essentials that count are the ones you put
in your own words, using your own experience. Every really
successful person has a list, and they stick to it. When
they drift away or get confused, they come back to it. They
depend on it. They build their success by sticking to the
principles, the rules, or the "laws" that have meaning and
clarity for them. To achieve great things, you'll need your
own Essentials for Success.
Here are some of mine:
1. Clarity about Your Desired Result. Most people are
unclear about their priorities and what they truly want. You
should be clear. Define your finish line in specific,
measurable results.
2. What Stands in Your Way? There are always obstacles and
challenges, and high achievers are not surprise or stymied
by this. List the people, places, and things you'll have to
over-come to achieve the success you desire.
3. Have a Strategy. Exactly how will you over-come and win?
What will you have to learn, solve, or eliminate? Who will
help? What's your budget and what's your schedule for
success? Having--and following--a good plan makes everything
easier.
4. Obsessive Determination. Some people call this focus or
persistence or single-mindedness. Whatever you call it,
success requires that you put everything you have into doing
your best. Playing safe or going half-way rarely wins the
prize.
You may have other elements or "bonus-items," but there are
Key Essentials and success requires that we understand and
obey them. Success is not an accident! It is (always!) the
predictable result of doing the right things, in the right
way, at the right time. When we violate the rules, we lose
the game. What are your Essentials for Success?