Secrets to Success
Secrets to Success
The courage to succeed
-- do you have it?There are plenty of people who have incredible intelligence, yet still struggle with obtaining success. You may even know people who are talented beyond imagination, yet have not found real success. Ultimately, success comes down to having the right attitude.
Although the "right" attitudes vary depending on the work environment, there are some that are a requirement across all industries and professions.
Courage is one of these essential attitudes. Some people might say that courage is not an attitude, rather it's a feeling. Yet if you ask the heroes who put their lives on the line they may not tell you they "felt courageous" right before a heroic act.
For example, a firefighter I spoke with recently reflected how he moves forward "in spite" of any fear that may enter his mind. The very action he takes is what chases the fear away. If he focuses on the fear itself, it will immobilize him or cause him to think a few seconds slower. And that could ultimately cost his own life or the life of a team member or person he is attempting to rescue.
Entrepreneurs who take on the unknown risks of starting their own business often report feeling nervous and unsure of their future. Regardless of not "feeling ready" for everything that lies ahead, they take the first step in faith. That very action is what develops momentum and propels them toward their goals. Just before they take that action, the words "Just do it" flash through their mind and they're off running!
Courage is an action. It is taking the first step in starting your own business or pursuing a goal you've been talking about for years. It's going above and beyond the call of duty on the job. It takes courage to say, "Enough is enough. This is the year I take control of my destiny, and start looking at the attitudes I must develop to succeed." Courage means doing things that you don't "feel" like doing because you know they will move you closer to your goals. Courage means no more excuses! No blaming your situation on the economy, the state you live in or the "luck" everyone else seems to have been born with.
WARNING: Too often people desire to have the things they see others have achieved without pushing through the courageous actions it took to get there. This is one of the greatest silent killers of success. Be aware of it so you can avoid getting hooked in this trap!
For some people the huge success of famous actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and John Travolta cause envy. Some people attribute their success to "good luck" or "good looks" yet never stop and think of the hardships and persistence they went through to get where they are. It takes courage and an unstoppable commitment to your dreams.
Take Arnold for instance. He came to America barely speaking English, using professional bodybuilding as a launching point for his career. John Travolta had a dry spell of 15 years before he became a major player in the movie scene. Yet he never gave up his dream. We forget how many years Bruce spent on the weekly TV series, "Moonlighting" before he "got his break" in the movie business. Most people just see the end result and want that level of success now.
Are these actors doing what they love? Are they masters of their own destiny? YES! But did they love every role, or enjoy the rejection that often came in their earlier days, "practicing" their talent and honing their ability? I doubt anyone would envy the sacrifice made by those who have created their own success. No one thinks about the sleepless nights great actors spend practicing a scene over and over again or the times they experience the horrible feeling when "all hope seemed lost." What we can envy and model after is their ability to hold onto the vision of what they ultimately wanted, and their persistence to pursue their dreams even when "success" didn't seem possible.
Ask yourself, was Bruce Willis a brilliant actor when he first started many years ago? Or did his skills develop over time with each new role he played?
With your answers to both of those questions, you can begin to understand that you also have the ability to fulfill your goals. You simply need the courage to pursue them through the fun times and the tough times.
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer
of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach
and life strategist. Reach her at DCM@RPMsuccess.com
or (888) 334-8151.