For many success stories, it's all in the mindset: staying dedicated, keeping focused, and not allowing doubt and fear to be greater than your sense of conviction. But in the age of the start-up with so many people starting businesses, it can be hard to stay confident on your path.
The bottom line is: obstacles will always come in your path, a life of no resistance is simply not possible. Whether you're planning on starting a business, a blog, or a new career, keep these things in mind:
A Healthy Mind is Essential
Many successful people, from entrepreneurs to film directors, practice mindfulness in the form of meditation and other focusing exercises. Meditation is an incredibly powerful tool for boosting creativity, confidence, and awareness. If you've been curious about this, check out my online course that teaches how to meditate with positive affirmations (a foundational element to attracting success and joy) here.
Adaptability is key
Being prepared is fantastic, but no amount of preparation can 100% guarantee your expected outcome. Instead of being too rigid, remember that being adaptable is just as important, so that when changes or new factors or even new people come into play, your open to working with them and collaborating in unexpected ways to still get the job done.
Everyone has value
Thinking that there are people who are "better" than others doesn't empower your teammates. Remember that in work and life, everyone has value and potential to create something great. Sometimes that value feels negative (someone who constantly criticizes or has a bad attitude), but they still add the value of showcasing weaknesses that could use improvement. Every person, no matter what their role or position, has value. Respect that, you'll get respect back.
Being a student is more important than being a master
Humility is a huge factor in all success. No successful person masters their respective industry or skill and reaches a peak; an interest in growth and learning is essential to stay at the forefront of what you create. Remember that there are opportunities to learn everywhere, and that being a student and continuing to learn and improve is much more valuable than running on hubris and being cocky.
Even leaders are only part of the team
It's the old adage: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Community is important, and remember that you are part of the whole not only fosters connection and teamwork, but protects you from taking on responsibility for the performance of other people. You are part of a whole, not a singular entity; no man is an island.
Failure is not the end
Some great projects and ideas never take off, and others will get their start but never make an impact. Successful people know not to see disappointment as a roadblock, but instead an opportunity to learn. In fact, there is saying that there's no such thing as failing, you can only succeed or learn...
Have your own tips for success, or truths a boss or mentor taught you? Share in the comments!
Rachael Yahne is a writer, blogger and cancer survivor currently living in Los Angeles. After years as a fashion journalist, she now writes lifestyle articles about purpose, passion, style, well-being and thriving after surviving not just cancer, but all of life's big battles. You can read more of her work at HerAfter.com