Every human being wants to be successful. For many, success
is measured in terms of power, fame or financial income,
while other people measure it in less tangible ways.
Whatever your criteria, I've never met a lazy person, so I
assume you, too, are interested in success. The question
then becomes, "What skills or behaviors will facilitate my
success in the shortest possible time?"
For many years, social scientists have tried to measure the
"causes" of success, and one of the most frustrating things
is the degree to which they have merely confused the
issues. Many people have heard that "successful" people
tend to be taller, prettier, younger or have some other
characteristic over which they have NO control. What these
studies don't tell you is that all these factors combined
account for less than 10% of the "variables" in success!
Race, age, gender, family history, all of that COMBINED
make almost no difference! On the other hand, what's
exciting is that the things that DO make a difference are
almost entirely under your control! That's amazing – and
tremendously hopeful!
In fact, I encourage you to make this note: Focus mostly on
things which you can control. Then, focus on things you can
influence. And finally, mostly ignore things which you can
neither control nor influence. Notice and take them into
account, but don't worry about the weather, interest rates
or your neighbor's opinion of you. Spend your time,
thought, effort and energy on things you can change to make
your life better. That can make all the difference!
What things actually MATTER in terms of success? Here are
some of my key observations from years of working with
unusually successful people:
1. FIRST -- Personal stability. High achievers usually
live quiet, structured, almost "boring" lives. They tend to
settle down, have good relationships and mind their own
business. They do not fall victim to addictions, fads or
impulses. There is purpose and structure to their lives.
They get to bed on time, eat well, get a bit of exercise
and pay their bills. Their personal life actually supports
them in achieving their goals. So get organized, get a good
night's sleep and start with a good breakfast in the
morning. Boring is good!
2. SECOND -- Positive Self-Direction. High achievers know
where they're going and how to get there. Usually, this
means specific, written goals, although many successful
people describe it as an "inner knowing" or "sense of
purpose." Whether it's a list or a vision, successful
people know what they want and permit few (or no!)
distractions. They are not tempted by short-cuts or get-
rich-quick schemes. They have chosen their direction,
purpose, goals or themes in life and like a compass, they
always point straight ahead.
3. THIRD -- Personal Urgency. I am not talking about
impatience or rudeness. Far from it! Success people have
"all the time in the world." They are patient, persistent,
determined and resilient, but they do not waste time. They
focus on things that make a real difference. They think in
terms of priorities, progress, and action-steps, but they
are not rude about it. They do first things first, and are
determined to make measurable progress in reasonable time.
4. FOURTH -- Constant Learning. Successful people are
curious and learn faster than other people. They read more,
ask more questions, take more classes, try more things.
They make mistakes, but rarely make the same mistake twice.
No one is born knowing how to walk, talk or write software.
Successful people LEARN to invest, invent and create. They
have mentors and coaches. They know
that practical, immediately-useful knowledge is the key to
solving life's problems and achieving their dreams.
The most important thing about these "engines" is that they
can be learned! No one is born with a stable life, a sense
of self-direction or urgency! These are habits that each of
us can absorb and master, often with very little trouble.
Success is not about luck or lucky genes; it's about
learning appropriate skills, then using them to create the
life you truly want. I've often written that a GREAT life
is actually easier than living a complicated, confusing or
mediocre life, and I'm convinced it's true. Keep it simple.
Keep it focused. Play by the rules and learn to win the
game of life.
is measured in terms of power, fame or financial income,
while other people measure it in less tangible ways.
Whatever your criteria, I've never met a lazy person, so I
assume you, too, are interested in success. The question
then becomes, "What skills or behaviors will facilitate my
success in the shortest possible time?"
For many years, social scientists have tried to measure the
"causes" of success, and one of the most frustrating things
is the degree to which they have merely confused the
issues. Many people have heard that "successful" people
tend to be taller, prettier, younger or have some other
characteristic over which they have NO control. What these
studies don't tell you is that all these factors combined
account for less than 10% of the "variables" in success!
Race, age, gender, family history, all of that COMBINED
make almost no difference! On the other hand, what's
exciting is that the things that DO make a difference are
almost entirely under your control! That's amazing – and
tremendously hopeful!
In fact, I encourage you to make this note: Focus mostly on
things which you can control. Then, focus on things you can
influence. And finally, mostly ignore things which you can
neither control nor influence. Notice and take them into
account, but don't worry about the weather, interest rates
or your neighbor's opinion of you. Spend your time,
thought, effort and energy on things you can change to make
your life better. That can make all the difference!
What things actually MATTER in terms of success? Here are
some of my key observations from years of working with
unusually successful people:
1. FIRST -- Personal stability. High achievers usually
live quiet, structured, almost "boring" lives. They tend to
settle down, have good relationships and mind their own
business. They do not fall victim to addictions, fads or
impulses. There is purpose and structure to their lives.
They get to bed on time, eat well, get a bit of exercise
and pay their bills. Their personal life actually supports
them in achieving their goals. So get organized, get a good
night's sleep and start with a good breakfast in the
morning. Boring is good!
2. SECOND -- Positive Self-Direction. High achievers know
where they're going and how to get there. Usually, this
means specific, written goals, although many successful
people describe it as an "inner knowing" or "sense of
purpose." Whether it's a list or a vision, successful
people know what they want and permit few (or no!)
distractions. They are not tempted by short-cuts or get-
rich-quick schemes. They have chosen their direction,
purpose, goals or themes in life and like a compass, they
always point straight ahead.
3. THIRD -- Personal Urgency. I am not talking about
impatience or rudeness. Far from it! Success people have
"all the time in the world." They are patient, persistent,
determined and resilient, but they do not waste time. They
focus on things that make a real difference. They think in
terms of priorities, progress, and action-steps, but they
are not rude about it. They do first things first, and are
determined to make measurable progress in reasonable time.
4. FOURTH -- Constant Learning. Successful people are
curious and learn faster than other people. They read more,
ask more questions, take more classes, try more things.
They make mistakes, but rarely make the same mistake twice.
No one is born knowing how to walk, talk or write software.
Successful people LEARN to invest, invent and create. They
have mentors and coaches. They know
that practical, immediately-useful knowledge is the key to
solving life's problems and achieving their dreams.
The most important thing about these "engines" is that they
can be learned! No one is born with a stable life, a sense
of self-direction or urgency! These are habits that each of
us can absorb and master, often with very little trouble.
Success is not about luck or lucky genes; it's about
learning appropriate skills, then using them to create the
life you truly want. I've often written that a GREAT life
is actually easier than living a complicated, confusing or
mediocre life, and I'm convinced it's true. Keep it simple.
Keep it focused. Play by the rules and learn to win the
game of life.
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