We all want to succeed. Whether it's in losing weight, learning the guitar, speed reading, or starting our own business. For those of us who have tried and failed, success seems elusive. Why is it one person succeeds where another person fails? First and foremost, I believe it is in their mindset. But secondly, I believe that successful people have developed certain habits, either naturally or through research, that the rest of us haven't stumbled upon yet.
Though I want each of you to succeed in everything you do, I can't guarantee success. Only you can do that. It starts in your mind, and from there your thoughts take physical form through your actions. Believing in yourself is a necessity! Beyond that, I've made a list of some habits to help you set goals and achieve them.
Also keep in mind that completing the hardest task first is a sure-fire way of increasing your productivity. If you put it off until later in the day, your energy level is bound to drop, and finishing the hard task will seem daunting and maybe even impossible. But, if you start off with the hardest task, when your energy level is high, you will have the focus and energy required to finish it off.
Though I want each of you to succeed in everything you do, I can't guarantee success. Only you can do that. It starts in your mind, and from there your thoughts take physical form through your actions. Believing in yourself is a necessity! Beyond that, I've made a list of some habits to help you set goals and achieve them.
1. Identify your core values
What is important to you? Finding your core values may seem a bit off-topic when it comes to success, but creating goals that are in line with your values is key to creating intrinsic motivation. Sit and reflect on what you value most. Pick a handful of things and actually write them down. Remind yourself of your values every day, and reflect on whether you are honoring those values through your work.2. Pick a goal (Focus)
Choose one goal to start. Something large enough that will give you a sense of accomplishment, while aligning well with your core values. Focus is key here. The more focused you are on one goal, the higher chance you have of success. If you spread yourself too thin, you might never complete your projects because they will take far too long. Believe me, multitasking isn't all it's cracked up to be.3. Set a deadline for success
Set a date for success. Identify when your hope to achieve your goal. Keep it realistic, while not giving yourself too much time. By setting a time limit, you are making the process more real. You also now have something to visualize in the next point.View this post on Instagram
4. Build the right mindset
Believe fully in your ability to achieve your goal. Visualize yourself having completed your goal in the exact time-frame you have chosen, although finishing early is also acceptable. You don't need to consider the failures that will happen along the way. Success is inevitable. Others may think you will fail, don't let yourself be one of them! (If you have trouble visualizing success, perhaps a fear of success is limiting you)"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right." - Henry Ford
5. Consequences for missing your deadline
Set up negative consequences for missing the deadline. Necessity is the mother of all invention. If you can manage to keep yourself intrinsically motivated, that's great. If not, this will help kick you into gear and keep your eye on the prize.6. Weekly and Daily Goals (Plan)
Break down goals by week and by day, setting up a plan to reach your overall objective. Keep the number of tasks per day as low as you can, and focus on completing only your planned tasks for each day. If you find yourself done, pick the next thing from your weekly list. Do the hardest things during your peak energy level, which usually means doing them first!7. Prioritize
Prioritize the tasks you have in front of you. Don't always do the most urgent thing first. Pick the task that's the most important. Sometimes these overlap, which is nice. By always accomplishing what's most important, you are making clear progress toward your goal.Also keep in mind that completing the hardest task first is a sure-fire way of increasing your productivity. If you put it off until later in the day, your energy level is bound to drop, and finishing the hard task will seem daunting and maybe even impossible. But, if you start off with the hardest task, when your energy level is high, you will have the focus and energy required to finish it off.