The ABC of Success
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. (Theodore Roosevelt) "
Here's the ABC of success, a summarized of set principles to achieve what you want. Many different books have been written about this subject too, ranging from simple step by step formulas to deep personal reflection techniques.
So what is the ABC of success and will it help you achieve your dreams? Perhaps the first question we should ask is: what is a dream?
For some it's a very high level wish or fantasy waiting in the future or in the realms of imagination. For others, it's a clear vision of what is desired and a detailed plan and will on how to get it. So why does it vary so much person by person, or book to book?
What defines our relationship with our desires / aspirations / plans is actually a matter of motivation and values. What we truly are and value is reflected in what we want and do. Therefore, if you're struggling to define your dreams and to find the motivation to get them, you should ask yourself first: what is most important to me? What makes you wake up every morning?
A few example of values: Family, Love, Health, Integrity, Trust, Freedom, Security, Transparency, Excitement, Consistency, Control, Adventure, Friendship, Commitment, People, Money, Simplicity...
They could be quite contradictory, so it's essential to reflect and make clear for ourselves what really drives you forward. Once we identify that, defining your goals , enjoying the journey, and achieving dreams become natural, because it's what you are. When you follow dreams that are aligned to your values, life becomes more pleasant and for some reason the universe conspires on your favor.
Nevertheless, I've selected some of the best essential tools on how actually go about and get things done to achieve what you want. But remember before setting your course and taking action, ask yourself why? Look inside first, clarify your values and then go for it!
The ABC of Success to achieve your dreams and get what you want:
- Be confident: have a positive thought vibration, be optimistic about the future and take calculated risks
- Have an eye for detail: find opportunities where others don't
- Work hard: you need 10,000 hours to be a master in any activity, as Malcolm Gladwell explains in his great book Outliers
- Be in the zone: mental discipline is key. Successful athletes are known for visualizing in their mind the outcome they want to achieve, you can use this technique as well to visualize yourself achieving your dreams.
- Do one thing at a time: Simplify your life, shut off distractions and focus on only one step towards your goals
- Don't dwell on losing: everybody loses at some point, so don't let failures and adversity hold you back. Failure is often success in disguise. Be resilient, regroup, learn from your mistakes, get over it and move on.
Essential self improvement resources on the ABC of success:
- Book: The Power of Less is an excellent compilation of ideas on how to do more and enjoy life with less
- Audio: Free mp3 audio - Setting and achieving goals by Leo Babauta
- Article: The Essentials of Getting Things Done
- Article: Become more productive by focusing on what's important, not urgent.
- Book + CD: Instant Confidence will give powerful tools and hypnotic audio to improve your confidence
- Video: 8 Secrets of Success by Richard St. John's, an inspiring 3 minute video on success from TED - see below.
