Success is often an individual combination of different factors – and rarely straightforward. What works for one person may not have the same impact for another and we all tend to fail or thrive as a result of different influences. However, for all of us, finding what works and identifying how to improve and achieve more starts with your mindset. Once you have the mindset for success, success becomes inevitable.
1. Deal differently with your mistakes
Your mistakes hold a huge amount of learning potential so it’s essential to start viewing them as an opportunity to improve instead of a moment to feel defeated or angry. If you make a mistake, take the time to acknowledge it, identify what went wrong and analyse how you could do something differently next time around. For many of us, it’s the way that we handle our moments of failure that will determine how close to success we get.
2. Don’t expect a linear path
From the outside, success often looks like a short series of steps along a simple, straight path. However, the reality is that there may be many twists, turns, dead ends and diversions along the way. You may need to change direction, adjust your approach, adapt and switch perspective – the more flexible you can be the more likely you’ll get to where you’re looking to go.
3. Be realistic about your goals
It’s important to set yourself goals but just as crucial to identify the series of steps that are going to get you from where you are now to fulfilling those lofty ambitions. The secret to this is focusing on the smaller, everyday goals that are just as essential to the big objectives but more realistic and probably less exciting to aim for. Define your main goal and then identify the series of mini-goals that you’re going to need to achieve to get you there. Put each one onto a timeline and reward yourself every time you tick one off, even if it only feels like small progress.
4. Watch what you say
In particular, watch what you say to yourself. It’s the thoughts and commentary constantly running in our minds that often have the biggest influence over outcomes like success. If you’re constantly focusing on your flaws and failures or telling yourself you can’t do something then you may struggle to make progress. However, if you can engage in positive and encouraging self-talk and relentless self-belief then there are few limits to what you can achieve.
5. Be inspired – every day
Even if it’s only for 10 or 15 minutes, spending a short period of time every day being inspired is incredibly valuable. That might be going outdoors, reading an inspirational book or having a conversation with someone who motivates you. Make time for inspiration if you want to maintain essential motivation for success.
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