She blazed the Hollywood trail, graduated from an Ivy League school, and has lived life in the spotlight since age 9. Emma Watson has given young girls an image to look up to, and she’s provided the general population a breath of fresh air. She’s successful on many levels, and has many qualities worth emulating. Here are 12 lessons in success that I’ve learned from Emma Watson:
1. Don’t Compromise
She’s very choosy about her movie roles and chose to attend an Ivy League college in the U.S. when she could have gone almost anywhere.
In short, Emma Watson does her research, and we should too. Success isn’t about landing every opportunity. Have a strong understanding of who you are as an individual and where you want to go. Success is about choosing carefully, doing the research, and making informed decisions when it comes to course of action.
2. Be Dedicated
Emma Watson has proven that dedication is the key. It was only after 8 lengthy auditions that she found out she had won the Hermione roll.
Dedication is the key. Most success stories, even if they look like they happened overnight, didn’t. Have commitment to any task or endeavor
3. Love Yourself First
“I don’t have perfect teeth, I’m not stick thin. I want to be the person who feels great in her body and can say that she loves it and doesn’t want to change anything.” (Emma Watson)
Remember that you come first. How you feel about yourself will directly affect all other areas of life. Success isn’t just outward wealth and glamor; true success is the ability to be comfortable in your skin.
4. Be Humble
One thing Emma Watson never did was let her coveted role as Hermione Granger go to her head.
Success, like anything else in life, can be lost as quickly as it is gained. Staying humble no matter how circumstances improve will allow you to keep a level head and appreciate that which comes to you through hard work and dedication.
5. Have a Sense of Humor
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It was unbelievable seeing me as an action figure! In a few months, toddlers all around the country will be biting my head off!” (Emma Watson)
No matter what, a sense of humor will keep the journey lighthearted. The road to success is usually more of a maze that will include bumps and setbacks. Being able to make light of a situation will help you keep moving forward toward your goal.
6. Be Respectful
Watson has respect for herself and respect for others. Both are necessary in all affairs whether professional or personal. Respect will lend you the ability to open doors you didn’t know existed and cultivate relationships that could be of great benefit.
7. Follow Your Truth
“Becoming yourself is really hard and confusing, and it’s a process. It’s often not cool to be the person who puts themselves out there.” (Emma Watson)
There’s nothing worse than moulding yourself into what you perceive others want from you. Over time, doing this can make you bitter and resentful. Figure out what it is that calls to you and pursue it. Never let someone else or the majority make decisions for you. Follow your heart.
8. Preserve your Integrity
“Don’t feel stupid if you don’t like what everyone else pretends to love.” (Emma Watson)
In a world where shameless reality television and young stars gone awry seek to define a generation, maintaining integrity isn’t only a necessity, but it will also set you apart from the rest. A strong moral compass will help you stay on track.
9. Be Practical
Emma Watson drives a Prius. She does so because it’s environmentally friendly and suits her personality, but the Prius is also a practical choice.
Practical choices will help ensure the longevity of your efforts. No matter where success takes you, remember to make choices that will enable you to sustain a future.
10. Never Forget Those that Helped You
“I could be 100 years old and in my rocker, but I’ll still be very proud that I was part of the Harry Potter films.” (Emma Watson)
Success is rarely achieved alone. It is so important to remember those that helped you get there. Whether it be business partners, family members, agents, etc., be grateful for those that pushed you toward a goal or gave you a platform on which to grow.
11. Set the Standard
A main reason for Watson’s success is that she is one of a kind. Though it’s important to learn from others, set the standard of achievement for yourself. Model your efforts on what you think is important regardless of what those around you are doing. Successful people are often those who pave their own way and give themselves goals to achieve.
12. Let Go of Fear
“I’ve probably earned the right to screw up a few times. I don’t want the fear of failure to stop me from doing what I really care about.” (Emma Watson)
Fear, if you let it, can cripple any effort no matter how determined or valiant. Willingness to push through fear, make mistakes, and potentially start over are important on the road to success.
Looking for some motivation from a few other successful women?
30 Most Inspirational Quotes By Highly Successful Women Around The World
Featured photo credit: HQ Outtake of Emma Watson, photographed by Bjorn Iooss for The EDIT magazine (2013)/Courtesy of www.emmawatsonfan.net via flickr.com
