Merriam-Webster’s defines success as a favourable or desired outcome. It means different things to different people. It can be fame, wealth, love, a new job, a fancy car, a coveted position, a family, more time with loved ones – some or all of these. It is something that is important to you. But how do you go about achieving ‘success’ ? To me its a matter of 4 simple steps.
Step1 : Get crystal clear on what you want.
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road can take you there”- Lewis Carroll in Alice in Wonderland
The first step to becoming successful is clarity. Get crystal clear on what you want. Be as specific and detailed as possible. If you want to be famous, decide on the level and type of fame, the number of followers on social media, and what you want to be known for. If you want wealth, decide on the exact amount of money you need and decide on a realistic time frame. If it is love, decide on the person you wish to be to attract the partner you need, decide on the qualities and parameters that cannot be compromised. The more detailed and granular your plan the better are your chances of getting there.
Step 2: Find out YOUR Why.
Often times we pursue a goal because someone else is doing it. Rather than mindlessly copy, think about why the particular goal and the happiness at achieving it is important to you. This reason is specific to you and your definition of success. Knowing it will help you save a lot of trouble in the end, if you were to discover that your ladder is up against the wrong wall. Knowing your purpose will also help you stay the course when the going gets tough.
Step 3: Fix a deadline, create a map and WRITE it down.
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet” – Bobby Unser
When you set a deadline and create a detailed map to achieve your dreams and write it down, you train your brain to focus on the important. It frees your mind of anxiety and distractions because now you know which step to take next. And then you choose to…
Step 4 : Do it ! One step at a time…
Action galvanises the dormant forces in you and within the universe and converts your dreams to reality. Any amount of detailed planning can fumble in the absence of actions at the right time. You may not have all the information you need, but decide with what you know and what you have got, act and be willing to learn along the way.